If you’ve been told you have diabetes, your doctor probably advised you about taking good care of your feet. While foot injuries probably weren’t the first things to cross your mind when you received your diagnosis, diabetes-related foot problems can be painful and life-threatening. They can lead to serious infections and possibly even amputation.
The easiest way for someone with diabetes to combat foot injuries is to prevent them. Monitoring your blood sugar closely every day will go a long way toward securing the health of your feet, and a good daily care regimen will alert you as soon as possible if something is wrong.
Here are five easy steps diabetics can take to prevent foot injuries:
- Wash your feet every day. The water should be warm but not hot (test the temperature with your elbow), and you should avoid soaking your feet. Always dry your feet completely—especially between your toes—before putting on socks and shoes.
- Do a daily foot inspection. When you wash your feet, look closely for cuts, blisters, calluses, or sores. Lightly prod your heel and toes to check for nerve damage, and use a mirror to check between toes and the bottoms of your feet.
- Apply lotion. If your feet are dry, rub them with lotion after washing them.
- File corns and calluses. After you’ve washed your feet and checked them for injuries, gently remove dead skin with a pumice stone or an emery board.
- Trim your toenails. Inspect your toenails once a week. Trim them after a bath or shower, taking care to file the edges. Nails should be flush with the end of the toe; cutting them too short may cause an ingrown nail.
Your feet are vital for getting you from place to place, but they also are often where the first signs of diabetes-related trouble appear. Our dedicated team of Phoenixville podiatrists at Healthmark Foot & Ankle Associates can help you take better care of your feet, your body, and your life, starting with your first consultation. For more information, call us today in Media at 610-565-3668 or in Phoenixville at 610-933-8644.