Displaying items by tag: diabetic foot care tips

November is American Diabetes Month and at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center this is a topic of high importance. Diabetes has the potential to seriously impact the health of your feet. When blood sugar levels are high, your immune system can be compromised, and your body may have difficulty fighting infections. Two other conditions associated with diabetes—poor circulation and peripheral neuropathy (loss of feeling) — can conspire to put your feet at risk for dangerous wounds and infections. Diabetes can also affect your bones, joints, and skin. This year’s message from the American Diabetes Association, however, is one of hope: “We Stand Greater Than Diabetes.” The good news is that there are many ways to prevent podiatric problems if you have diabetes. Below are eight to consider:

1. Schedule regular podiatric exams. Our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas, are an important part of your health care team if you have diabetes. Seeking care regularly will help the foot doctor spot problems before they get out of control and help you be proactive in protecting your feet.
2. Check your feet daily. Getting in the habit of examining your feet—top, bottom, between the toes and toenails—will enable you to spot any changes promptly. Cuts that aren’t healing, redness, swelling, bruising, growths, or changes in skin color or nails may all be signs that something potentially harmful is developing. Any changes should be reported promptly to our Long Beach office by calling: (562) 420-9800.
3. Choose your shoes carefully. Avoid stiff shoes and look for styles that have roomy toe boxes. Get your feet measured and fitted professionally and periodically run your hand around the inside of the shoes to make sure there are no rough seams or material that could cause friction and blisters.
4. Don’t smoke. It impedes circulation.
5. Keep feet dry. Sitting in damp footwear can increase your risk of athlete’s foot and fungal toenails.
6. Don’t go barefoot. Even at home, wear slippers or shoes to prevent cuts and puncture wounds.
7. Do not use medicated pads, acid solutions, or sticky pads. For warts, corns, and calluses consult your podiatrist for treatment and don’t attempt any “bathroom surgeries.”
8. Follow your doctor’s instructions for managing your diabetes. Take your medications as directed, eat a nutritious diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.

At Superior Foot & Ankle Care, we want all of our Douglas Park/Los Angeles County area patients to be vigilant about good foot care. For patients with diabetes, however, this is even a more critical concern. Diabetes, also known as hyperglycemia, is a condition where blood sugar levels are not normal. If not properly controlled, the immune system can be compromised and infections difficult to heal. For your feet, the added complications commonly associated with diabetes—neuropathy (loss of sensation) and poor circulation can mean disastrous and debilitating results. This leaves diabetic patients at increased risk for several conditions, including fungal infections, ingrown nails, calluses, hammertoes, corns, and skin problems. You can, however, prevent damage from diabetes by taking some extra care with your feet and avoiding potential problem scenarios. Here are six ways to ensure good foot health if you have diabetes:

1. Schedule regular appointments with our podiatrists, Victoria M. Foley and Dr. Constance Ornelas. The foot doctor will carefully monitor your feet for any changes that may signal an infection or ulcer forming. The podiatrist can also advise you on proper foot care and prescribe treatment for new or existing conditions.
2. Develop a daily care regimen. Wash feet with warm—not hot—soapy water and dry thoroughly, particularly between your toes. While you clean your feet, look them over for signs of developing problems such as skin color changes, swelling, sores, cuts or blisters, bruises, and redness. Report anything suspicious to our Long Beach office immediately by calling: (562) 420-9800.
3. Choose shoes wisely. Make sure they do not pinch or rub anywhere that can cause a Look for styles with a wide roomy toes box and soft leather uppers. Avoid high heels.
4. Keep feet dry. Wear absorbent socks (with no seams or tight elastic bands) and change them as soon as you notice your feet feel damp. If your feet tend to sweat profusely, use an anti-fungal foot powder each morning to reduce the risk of athlete’s foot.
5. Take care of toenails or let a professional handle. Nails should be trimmed straight across and not too short. File rough edges to prevent them from catching and tearing.
6. Protect circulation by not smoking, changing position frequently and exercising regularly.

If you are diabetic and have more questions about how to best care for your feet, contact us today.