Preventative Foot Care For Diabetics

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If you have diabetes, then you need to maintain tight control over your blood sugar levels. This will help ensure that you do not develop hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. It will also help reduce the risk for foot problems that are common in diabetic patients. Here are some preventative strategies that you can implement at home to help prevent foot and ankle problems related to high glucose levels and poor circulation.

Shoe Orthotics 

Because people with diabetes are at high risk for developing circulatory problems of the feet, your shoes will need to fit properly so that you do not develop diabetic-related statis ulcers or other wounds. Diabetics often have diminished sensation in their feet, and because of this, they may be unable to feel if they have a blister or other type of skin breakdown. If blisters go unnoticed, they can quickly become infected because of reduced circulation. Shoe orthotics can help minimize the risk for blisters and subsequent infections, and will help prevent foot pain related to sluggish circulation. 

To reduce your risk for developing infected sores or other problems related to ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes, make an appointment with a custom orthotic services professional. He or she will take precise measurements of your feet so that when the orthotics are placed inside your shoes, your feet will feel comfortable and you won't have to worry about skin breakdown related to friction rub. 

Properly Trim Toenails

People with diabetes often visit their podiatrists because of infections or tissue damage due to improper toenail trimming. Because foot sensation is often diminished in the diabetic patient, he or she is often unaware that the skin has been nicked while trimming the nails.

Also, people with diabetes may be unaware that they have an ingrown toenail until an infection is brewing because they do not feel pain, irritation, or increased warmth over the affected area. It is essential that you trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails, however, if you are apprehensive about cutting your own toenails, see your podiatrist. He or she has experience with diabetic patients and will make sure that your nails are trimmed properly.

If you have diabetes, proper diabetic foot care is essential. Monitoring the condition of your feet will help ensure that foot problems are recognized quickly so that they can be treated right away.

Also, see your podiatrist on a regular basis and consider getting custom orthotics for your shoes. They will help promote optimal circulation in your feet and may reduce your risk for skin breakdown and foot infections due to poor circulation. While you can purchase shoe orthotics at your local pharmacy, they may not be suitable for the podiatry needs of the diabetic patient. For more information, reach out to custom orthotic services near you.


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