Foot Care: Why It Matters A for People with Diabetes?

Foot care is of the utmost importance if you have diabetes but do you know why? Read on to find out why foot care should be a priority if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.


Foot problems are quite common for people who have diabetes and their feet can be affected in two ways. Either their blood supply can be affected which may result in slower healing, or they can also lose feeling and sensation in their feet which may be a result of nerve damage. A person who has nerve damage may not realise when they have minor cuts, blisters, or even injuries and this can lead to ulcers or even worse, gangrene. All these problems can be avoided if you take care of your feet and act quickly when you have an issue. 


Getting diabetic foot ulcer treatment in Baltimore as well as checked by a doctor at least once or a year or every couple of months can help prevent complications. 


Why does foot care matter?

Diabetes can cause a lot of circulation problems and nerve damage. These can lead to infections, loss of blood supply to the extremities. To help reduce the impact of diabetes it’s important to keep your feet healthy by a daily diabetic foot ulcer treatment and maintaining proper diabetic foot care.


Here are some tips to properly care for your feet.


  • Daily inspections

All areas of your feet need to be checked every day including soles, heels, tops, and in between your ties for blisters, cuts, redness, tenderness, bruises, and more. You should wash your feet with warm, not hot water and a mild soap every day. For proper diabetic foot care treatment, patients should always test the water with their fingers or elbow as diabetes can sometimes make it tough to gauge how hot or how cold the water is with your feet.


  • Dry your feet

Moist areas of your feet especially with diabetes can breed infection. Always dry your feet well and pat them down, not rub them especially the areas in between the toes. For rough and dry skin, always use a lotion or oil but not in between your toes. If you have any issues you can always visit your podiatrist  in Baltimore for your diabetic foot ulcer treatment. Your toenails should always be neat, clean, and filed, especially the rough edges. 


  • Wear socks and shoes

Ensure that your feet are always covered by socks and shoes, this helps to protect them from heat, cold, cuts, bruises, and more. As far as possible, avoid shoes with high heels, pointed toes, or anything that exposes your toes and heels. Socks should be made out of natural fibres like cotton, wool, and loose. Your diabetic foot ulcer treatment podiatrist will tell you to avoid walking on hot pavements, the beach, and more without shoes. Also be careful while using heating pads, hot water bottles, and electric blankets. 


Keep your feet up whenever you can to keep your circulation flowing and wiggle your toes. Avoid crossing your legs too much. 


If you have diabetes always get a diabetic foot care treatment in Baltimore done and contact your healthcare provider immediately. Left untreated it could lead to infections, gangrene, and in worst cases, even amputation. 


Diabetes can cause complications that affect the health of your feet. Podiatry Associates has trained and certified podiatrists who help treat and manage foot-related conditions and complications that arise from diabetes.

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