Whether you’ve had diabetes for a long time or you’ve just been diagnosed, we encourage you to be mindful of your feet at all times. Foot problems are extremely common among diabetics. Even folks who do a good job of managing their blood sugar levels can eventually suffer from diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation.
However, there are steps you can take to delay the onset of diabetic foot issues. Here’s a guide to those steps from expert podiatrists Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists. For the best chance of keeping your feet healthy, do these four things:
- Manage your blood sugar.
If you have difficulty keeping your blood glucose within an acceptable range, don’t hesitate to talk to your primary care doctor or our podiatrists. You may need to change your diet. You can take advantage of smartphone apps that help you track your glucose levels. Perhaps you’re a candidate for an insulin pump. Help is out there. - Pick the right footwear.
Your shoes should be comfortable, fit well, provide adequate cushioning, and not chafe. If you’ve got neuropathy or any kind of foot deformity, you may need to wear special shoes. Diabetic footwear is specially designed to protect your skin from blisters and calluses. We offer fittings for diabetic shoes at our Montgomery County podiatry office. - Check your feet daily.
Inspect your feet for signs of trouble. Check every surface, including the soles and heels. Never treat skin lesions on your own – let our podiatrists treat them safely. - Don’t wait to seek treatment.
A simple scratch can turn into a deep foot ulcer very quickly. Wounds that don’t heal are the reason so many diabetics are forced to have their foot or lower leg amputated. Seeking treatment for any foot problem – no matter how small it may seem to you – can literally save your limb.
For more information about diabetic foot care or an appointment to have your feet examined, call our Montgomery office at (334) 396-3668 or contact us online.