Diabetic feet need special care because of decreased circulation, neuropathy, joint deterioration, and more. While your primary care physician may guide you on blood sugar control, medications, a healthy diet, and active lifestyle, your podiatrist assesses and treats how your feet and ankles function everyday and for the long term. Enlist their help in the health maintenance of your diabetic feet.

Keeping ahead of neuropathy and avoiding amputation

Those are two key goals of diabetic foot care. Your podiatrist will want to see you regularly to assess the color, temperature, sensation, function, and shape of your feet and ankles, noting any developing problems. Early detection of circulation issues, nerve degeneration (neuropathy), and deformities, such as hammertoes, bunions, and Charcot Foot, are key.

Your podiatric foot examination will include an eye-on inspection of your skin (color, temperature, texture, and integrity). Your foot doctor also may perform gait analysis to watch for changes in how you walk. Sometimes a podiatrist orders X-ray imaging or an MRI to view the internal structure of the foot and/or ankle.

Remember, that foot ulcers are the primary threat to the overall health and well-being of the diabetic, says the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Untreated, they may lead to complications so severe amputation is the only option.

What can you do to treat your diabetic feet?

1. Be proactive. Inspect your feet daily, looking redness or skin breakdown.
2. Wash and dry your feet daily.
3. Trim your toenails carefully using a clean clippers. Trim straight across and not too short to avoid ingrown toenails.
4. Wear shoes at all times--even indoors--to avoid injury.
5. Wear clean, well-fitting, moisture-wicking socks.
6. Keep your weight and blood sugars within normal range.
7. Get in-office treatment of calluses and corns, says the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
8. Avoid all forms of tobacco.
9. Report any changes to your foot doctor as soon as possible.
10. See your podiatrist every six months or as he or she directs.

Healthy feet and a healthy you

Podiatric health is so important, but especially to the diabetic. So stay in touch with your foot doctor, and be routinized in your foot care for better long-term health.

Diabetes causes a condition of painful nerve damage called peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy can affect your entire body, but the legs and feet are the body’s most prone areas to serious health problems. Damage to the nerves can cause the loss of feeling in your feet, making it difficult to detect extreme temperatures and pain as easily or readily as someone who does not have diabetes. Understanding the connection between foot care and diabetes is important to avoid more serious health problems. Visit your podiatrist, about the best ways to care for your feet. 

Inspect Your Feet Regularly

Small Foot Problems Can Lead to Bigger Problems

• Ulcers that don’t heal
• Corns
• Calluses
• Cracked heels
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails

Keep Your Feet Healthy with Proper Foot Hygiene

• Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, making sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. 
• Keep the skin on your feet smooth and soft by applying a non-irritating moisturizer, avoiding the areas between the toes. Doing so can help prevent cracks and sores that lead to infection. 
• Avoid ingrown toenails than can get infected by keeping them neatly trimmed straight across.
• Wear clean, dry socks and change them every day.
• Avoid walking barefoot to protect feet from harmful foreign particles. 
• Never attempt to remove corns, calluses or other sores from your feet on your own. See your podiatrist for safe and pain-free removal.