4 Foot Health Tips When You Have Diabetes

Taking good care of your feet is something everyone should take more seriously, and this is especially true for those individuals who have diabetes. Since diabetes causes foot numbness, it can be impossible to feel the pain of a foot injury, and severe consequences may result.

Here are 4 excellent tips to help avoid these complications:

1)    Inspect your feet every day—Make a daily foot inspection part of your routine and look out for any cuts, scrapes, bruises or blisters. When these minor problems are ignored or go unnoticed, it can lead to infection and amputation. Use a mirror to inspect the bottoms of your feet and do not forget to look between your toes for slits and infections.

2)    Keep your feet clean and dry—Always wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water and dry carefully, especially between the toes. Apply moisturizing lotion to rough skin, but avoid the area between your toes to help prevent moisture buildup and possible cracks and infections.

3)    Daily exercise routine—Going for walks and another aerobic exercise is essential to improving your circulation. It will also help to lower your blood sugar levels.

4)    Properly fitted shoes—Wear shoes that are comfortable and supportive and that have enough room for orthotic inserts, and that can allow for proper toe movement.

If you need help with diabetic foot problems, seeing your foot doctor on a regular basis is essential. At Fit Feet for Life, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies and years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including heel pain, sports injuries, toe deformities, nail fungus, and plantar warts.  Bonnie Sanchez, DPM, Gregory Cook, DPM, and Huy L. Nguyen, DPM provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area at our five offices conveniently located in Sun City Center, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and our two Tampa locations. For more information, please contact us to schedule an appointment.