Diabetes is a serious condition that requires regular care and monitoring. A common issue those with diabetes face is diabetes-related foot problems. Caring for your foot health is necessary on a daily basis if you have diabetes. There are serious risks associated with untreated foot issues, including infection, poor circulation, or worse. Below you will find tips for preventing diabetes-related foot problems.
Tips for Preventing Diabetes-Related Foot Problems
Caring for your feet is critical if you have diabetes. There are several ways to ensure your feet stay healthy. Consider the following tips for preventing diabetes-related foot issues.
Check Your Feet Daily
Checking your feet for issues daily is important. This is because unaddressed issues with your feet can lead to serious problems. Common issues to check for include cuts, redness, swelling, blisters, or any other changes. If you cannot see the bottom of your feet easily, use a mirror. Checking your feet daily is necessary as diabetes reduces your ability to feel pain. This makes it much harder to know when something is wrong with your feet. If you do notice any issues, diabetic wound care is necessary immediately.
Clean Your Feet Daily
Cleaning your feet daily is beneficial, especially if you have diabetes. It reduces the risk of infection and other unwanted issues. Wash your feet with mild soap and lukewarm water. Do not soak your feet for more than a couple of minutes. This can cause unwanted dryness and increase your risk for other foot-related issues. Once you have washed and rinsed your feet, pat them dry with a clean towel. Moisturize your feet to ensure they do not get dry. However, avoid putting lotion in between your toes.
Wear the Right Shoes
The type of shoes you wear is important for your foot health, especially if you have diabetes. Your shoes should fit well and provide the necessary support. You need extra room to ensure your toes are not squished. Some people may need special inserts to ensure their feet are properly supported. It’s important to work with a skilled podiatrist to ensure you have the right footwear and support. Avoid walking barefoot at any point. This can dramatically increase your risk of injury to your foot.
Regularly Exercise
If you have diabetes, regular exercise is critical. It improves your circulation and can keep your feet healthy. Be sure to work with your medical provider on what forms of exercise are right for you. Common exercises that are beneficial for those with diabetes include walking or biking. Low-impact activities can help keep you in good health without causing any additional issues. If you are currently experiencing issues with your feet, diabetic foot treatment in Oxnard is necessary. A skilled podiatrist can address your foot issues and advise you on what types of exercise are right for you.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is bad for your overall health. However, it can be exceptionally harmful to those with diabetes. Smoking reduces the amount of blood flow to your feet. This results in poor circulation. Poor circulation makes it more difficult for wounds to heal. It also increases the risk of infections and ulcers. If you currently smoke and cannot quit, talk to your medical provider. They can help you find ways to reduce your smoking and eventually quit. This is critically important for your overall health.
Diabetic Foot Treatment in Oxnard
If you have diabetes, it’s important to work with a podiatrist on a regular basis. They can provide you with effective ways to manage your diabetes-related foot care. They can also provide treatment for issues early on to reduce your risk of more harmful health issues. Avoiding your foot health can increase your risk for serious issues, such as nerve damage, poor circulation, and even amputation in severe cases.
