Understanding Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
Diabetes significantly impacts foot health due to two main issues:
- Peripheral neuropathy: High blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to reduced sensation in the feet. You might not notice cuts, blisters, or pressure points—allowing small injuries to worsen without detection.
- Poor circulation: Diabetes often impairs blood flow, slowing healing and increasing infection risk.
These combined effects set the stage for serious complications—making diligent foot care essential.
Key Components of Diabetic Foot Care
- Daily Foot Inspections
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- Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, calluses, corns, or nail issues every day.
- Use a mirror or ask someone to help examine the soles of your feet.
- Proper Cleansing & Moisturizing
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- Wash feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap; dry thoroughly—especially between toes.
- Apply moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of your feet but avoid between the toes to prevent fungal growth.
- Nail Care
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- Trim toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails and file edges gently.
- Protective Footwear
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- Always wear socks and shoes—avoid walking barefoot, even at home.
- Choose well-fitting, supportive shoes with ample room, seamless interiors, and good arch support; avoid high heels.
- Inspect inside shoes before wearing to remove debris.
- Moisture-Wicking Socks
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- Wear clean, dry, moisture-wicking socks daily to reduce irritation and fungal risk.
- Routine Podiatry Visits
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- Dr. Rappette and Dr. Pandya can treat calluses, corns, ingrown nails, fit orthotics, and assess nerve and vascular health. Schedule annual foot exams—or even more frequently if issues are present.
Lifestyle Recommendations for Foot Health
Control Blood Sugar
- Maintaining stable blood glucose levels helps prevent neuropathy and circulatory issues.
Quit Smoking
- Smoking further reduces circulation—quitting can significantly benefit foot health.
Exercise Regularly
- Activity encourages blood flow in your legs and feet—just be sure to wear proper shoes.
Warning Signs That Need Immediate Attention
If you notice any of the following signs, contact your podiatrist right away:
- Redness, warmth, or swelling
- Persistent sores or ulcers
- Signs of infection, such as pus
- Numbness or pain not resolving with self-care
Final Thoughts
Living with diabetes doesn’t mean accepting foot complications. With daily inspections, proper hygiene, protective footwear, routine podiatry care, and healthy lifestyle habits, you can significantly reduce risks. Foot & Ankle Centers are here to support you through regular exams, custom shoe fittings, and expert treatment to maintain your foot health and quality of life.
To schedule your next Diabetic Foot evaluation, call our office at 630-553-9300 or 815-942-9050.
For more information, visit: FootAndAnkleCenters.com
