All About Diabetic Foot Care

Did you know that approximately three-quarters of Americans will experience some type of foot problem at some point in time? Poor foot health can actually lead to some major health issues so, if you are experiencing pain or discomfort, finding a local foot doctor to check your symptoms is a must.

Now, if you have diabetes, then you may experience more foot-related issues than normal. Diabetes reportedly affected over 30 million people in 2017 alone, according to the American Association of Diabetes Educators. This same establishment shows that over 30% of adults in the United States have prediabetes. This doesn’t look good for you feet!

Fortunately, by seeking the help of a diabetic foot doctor and by taking proper care of your toes, heels, ankles, and more, you can typically avoid bigger problems.

Common Issues

So, what are some of the more common foot-related issues people with diabetes face? Well, some notice swelling, changes in skin color, or numbness, and often people will report problems such as ingrown toenails, corns, athlete’s foot, blisters, bunions, and more.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it would be wise to contact your foot doctor if any of the previously listed symptoms have occurred. You will also want to check every day for dry skin, blisters, sores, redness, tenderness, and other concerning issues.

Preventing Further Issues

If you are concerned about the state of your feet or are experiencing foot pain of any kind, do not wait to speak with a foot care specialist. If not, you can following some simple procedures to avoid experiencing any pain, discomfort, or sores.

First things first, take care of your feet by washing them every day and by investing in a sturdy and comfortable pair of shoes. Be careful when walking or exercising to ensure you are not putting too much strain or pressure on your feet, and do not wear sandals or walk barefoot, as this could leave your toes and nails vulnerable to injury.

While overexerting yourself is probably not the best idea, it is still good to walk regularly. This keeps your weight in check (thus putting less strain on your feet), and it helps with circulation, as well. Along with this, you will want to follow the nutritional advice of your doctor to ensure you stay in the best health possible.

All in all, you will want to keep your eyes open for any irregularities and be sure to visit a foot and ankle center if any major problems occur. The faster you act, the better off you will be.