Diabetic Foot Care and Tips

Foot care is a serious concern for diabetics. Foot conditions resulting from diabetes can affect how they walk or in some cases lead to amputation.  Like many illnesses, avoiding complications can be done by practicing healthy habits. For diabetics in particular, managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels are essential to keeping serious foot complications at bay.

Diabetes and Foot Health

Diabetes can have a damaging effect on your feet. This medical condition deprives the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the feet because of poor circulation.  Diabetes can also damage your nerves making it harder for you to feel pain when your feet are wounded. Wounds could get infected and affect other areas requiring amputation to stop its spread.  

Nerve damage is more common in diabetics with:

·       High cholesterol levels

·       Uncontrolled blood sugar levels

·       40 years of age and above

·       Overweight

·       High blood pressure

Signs and Symptoms

·       Stinging pain in your calves, thighs or legs

·       Loss of sensation, touch or ability to identify heat or cold accurately

·       Burning or tingling sensation in the feet

·       Change of skin color in the feet

·       Fungus infections may appear between toes

·       Toe nails become discolored or thicken

Foot Care Tips

Check your feet regularly for wounds or sores. Diabetics might be suffering from nerve damage making it hard for them to identify pain from wounds or blisters. Take note of hard to see areas such as the back of your feet or between the toes. Use a mirror or ask help if you are having trouble inspecting areas visually.

Make it a habit to wash your feet daily. Dry completely especially areas between the toes. A moist and dark environment is a perfect breeding ground for fungal infections.  This will also be a perfect time to trim your nails. It will be softer after washing.

Wear proper fitting shoes. This reduces friction between the shoes and your skin.  Use foot powder that can kill possible infections and socks. Avoid walking barefoot to reduce wounds, blisters and cuts.

Promote better blood circulation to your feet through physical activities. Ask you podiatrist about possible foot exercises.

Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.