Taking Care of Your Feet When You Have Diabetes

Taking care of your feet when you have diabetes is extremely important. It is easier to develop an infection when you have a foot wound or injury when you are diabetic. Poor blood circulation, a common symptom of diabetes, causes foot wounds to heal more slowly, which increases the risk of developing an infection. Dr. Jeffery Davis, Dr. Thomas Detwiller, and Dr. William McCann, the knowledgeable podiatrists at Affiliates in Podiatry in Concord, and Meredith, NH, can help you develop a foot care routine to keep feet healthy and prevent infections.

Types of Diabetic Foot Problems

A wide range of foot problems could develop as a result of an untreated foot infection, which is why it is essential that you take care of your feet when you have diabetes. Possible foot problems that could develop include:

  • Neuropathy or nerve damage
  • Calluses on the feet
  • Ulcers on the feet
  • Foot swelling
  • Charcot’s foot
  • Gangrene
  • Amputation

Treating minor wounds and injuries right away helps prevent infection and more serious health conditions. The experienced podiatrists at our office in Concord, and Meredith, NH, can help you maintain healthy feet.

Caring for Diabetic Feet

There are several steps you can take to care of your feet and keep them healthy. One of the most important things you can do is check your feet daily for wounds or injuries. Promptly treating any issues you discover, such as cuts or scrapes, can aid in healing and prevent infection from setting in. Look for cuts, scrapes, scratches, punctures, blisters, bruises, redness, and ingrown toenails when examining the feet. Apply first aid to any wounds right away. First-aid measures could include gently cleaning and drying the affected area, as well as applying an antibiotic ointment and bandage to prevent infection.

Some specific steps you can take to care of your feet at home include:

  • Applying moisturizer to the feet every day
  • Wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly
  • Wearing loose socks to bed
  • Not soaking your feet in water
  • Keeping your feet clean, dry, and warm
  • Wearing warm socks and shoes in cold weather
  • Trimming toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails
  • Stretching or moving the legs and feet throughout the day to improve circulation

Consistently taking care of your feet when you have diabetes is essential for preventing infection and more serious foot conditions. Regular checkups with a podiatrist are an excellent way to maintain healthy feet. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Davis, Dr. Detwiller, or Dr. McCann, our skilled podiatrists, call Affiliates in Podiatry in Concord, NH, at (603) 225-5281 or at (603) 279-0330 for our office in Meredith, NH.

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