Diabetic Foot Care: Routine Prevention

What You Need To Know

How routine preventive care protects the feet of patients living with diabetes.

Routine Preventive Diabetic Foot Care

People with diabetes need to take special care with their feet, since they are especially susceptible to foot problems. Poor circulation and nerve damage (known as peripheral neuropathy) are two aspects of the disease that can lead to serious complications. A lack of feeling may keep you from knowing there is an issue, and even something as small as a scratch can quickly turn into a major concern. That is why diabetic foot care is so important.

It is important to recognize that not all patients with diabetes are at the same risk for getting into trouble with their feet. Some patients we will want to see every three to four months for what is frequently called preventative diabetic foot care, while others can go a year before having another foot evaluation. It is important to know where you stand.

We specialize in offering comprehensive foot assessments to determine your individualized risk level. For patients who are at heightened risk, having a foot callus trimmed down on a regular basis (every two to three months) is an essential component to staying out of trouble and ulcer free. It is also important that higher risk patients get into protective and specialty footwear.

If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes and need to determine your risk for getting into trouble with your feet, if you suffer from numbness and need your feet checked and cared for on a regular basis, or if you are dealing with an ulcer that has been hard to heal, please contact our specialists to schedule an evaluation.

Daily Care and Prevention Tips

Because it is important to catch any foot problems before they become serious, those with diabetes should perform foot self-exams on a daily basis. Inspect for things like swelling, redness, and temperature change, all signs of possible problems. Also, look for calluses and corns that often develop on pressure areas like the ball of the foot. If your heels are cracked from dryness, those cracks may worsen and in some cases, they can get infected, just as cuts and blisters can.

If you have diabetes, there are steps you can take to avoid problems. Never go barefoot, since sensation loss can prevent you from realizing you have stepped on a sharp object. Make sure your shoes fit properly to avoid rubbing that could cause blisters, and change your socks every day to keep them clean and dry.

Keep your toenails trimmed, and when you wash your feet, use warm water and mild soap. Avoid hot water. Towel your feet off thoroughly, especially between toes where bacteria and fungi can build. Apply lotion to keep dryness at bay, avoiding between the toes. Protect your feet against extreme temperatures, testing bath water before jumping in feet first. While sitting, try not to cross your legs for long stretches, as this places pressure on the circulation and nerves of the extremities.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential for keeping your weight at a healthy level and your blood glucose in check. It is easier to stick with it if you have support, and we at SoCal Foot Care are here to help you schedule regular evaluations and stay ahead of any concerns.