Diabetic Foot Care You Can Rely On

What You Need To Know

How diabetes affects your feet and why routine podiatry care matters.

Understanding Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes can damage your feet’s blood vessels and nerves, leaving you vulnerable to ulcers (sore, weeping wounds). People with diabetes have high blood sugar levels, leading to multiple health problems affecting the feet. These diabetic foot problems typically involve sores or injuries resulting from loss of feeling in the feet (diabetic peripheral neuropathy).

Many people with diabetes also have poor blood flow to their feet. This makes it difficult for sores to heal and increases the risk of infection. Without proper treatment, an infection can lead to tissue damage so severe the only solution is amputation. Because of these life-changing consequences, diabetic foot care is vital for anyone with diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy affects 60 to 70% of people with diabetes. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, balance problems, loss of feeling in your feet, burning sensations, and in some cases pain. Unfortunately, many people assume these symptoms are just a result of old age. Diabetes often damages the nerves in your feet, preventing you from feeling pain if you cut your foot or step on a foreign object.

If your feet or toes regularly bother you, it’s important to make an appointment with Nevada Foot and Ankle. If an infection develops, seek immediate medical attention so treatment can begin right away.

Prevention and Daily Foot Care

Diabetic foot problems are often preventable if you lead a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and quitting smoking. Work closely with your doctor to properly manage your diabetes, and check your feet regularly for sores or signs of infection. You can significantly lower your risk of more serious problems by monitoring your feet, taking your prescription medications, exercising, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

If you suffer from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, you must bring your blood glucose level back to normal to prevent further damage. If your neuropathy causes pain, you can usually treat it with over-the-counter medications. Nevro HFX is a non-drug treatment recently approved by the FDA for the pain related to diabetic neuropathy and may be an option worth discussing with your podiatrist.

If neuropathy causes loss of feeling in your feet, take precautions to prevent injury. Always wear shoes and socks to protect your feet. Ensure your shoes are comfortable and well-fitting to avoid blisters, and check your feet frequently for signs of friction. Bathe your feet daily, dry them thoroughly, and use moisturizing lotion to stop the skin from drying. Treat cuts or sores immediately and prevent infection by keeping the area clean.

Even if you haven’t developed neuropathy or a diabetic ulcer, you can still benefit from diabetic foot care. Following an exam and review of your medical history, Nevada Foot and Ankle can provide you with tips and suggestions to help you detect problems early and prevent further complications.