Practice Good Diabetes Foot Care With 8 Quick Tips from Our Harrisburg Podiatrists
Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas fails to produce insulin at all or does not produce enough insulin to remove excess amounts of glucose from the body. The buildup of sugar in the blood weakens blood vessels throughout the body, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and liver impairment. Because high blood sugar levels affects all blood vessels in the body, circulation to the feet can also be impaired. A Harrisburg podiatrist can help you to avoid serious problems caused by poor circulation to the lower extremities.
Why Is Diabetes Foot Care So Important?
High blood sugar levels can cause inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body. Circulation of blood becomes reduced, which can prevent proper healing of minor cuts, scrapes or skin eruptions. When circulation is impaired, the inability to heal quickly can lead to critical medical problems that can lead to the death of tissues and amputation of toes or parts of the foot.
Diabetes Foot Care and Your Doctor
During regular visits, your doctor will inspect your feet as part of their overall physical exam to see if there are any issues that need attention. The primary care physician may refer you to a foot specialist for any foot problems that are found. Your local foot doctor can provide treatment for problem nails, skin eruptions, corns, calluses, bunions and other issues.
Tips For Good Diabetes Food Care
Medical organizations recommend a number of actions to help care for your feet when you have diabetes:
- Inspect your feet daily – take not of rough spots, cuts, scrapes or redness.
- Wash and dry your feet carefully – take special care to dry between toes.
- Trim nails regularly – cut your nails straight across, not down at the sides, which can cause ingrown nails.
- Keep the skin on your feet moisturized – use petroleum jelly, lotion or oils to prevent hard, rough areas that can become injured.
- Wear socks and shoes at all times to protect your feet – this helps to avoid unexpected injuries that can be difficult to heal.
- Keep the blood moving in your feet – wiggle your toes throughout the day, bend your ankles, put your feet up when sitting.
- Avoid smoking – smoking narrows blood vessels, increasing your risk for circulatory problems.
- See your local foot doctor for any infections, cuts or other problems.
Good foot care for diabetics should include seeing a Harrisburg podiatrist regularly to ensure that small problems do not become larger medical issues. Our local foot doctor will do a thorough inspection of your nails and skin, making note of corns, calluses or other problems that affect the health of your feet. If necessary, the podiatrist can discuss treatment of these issues, to ensure that your feet are in their best condition.
Call our Harrisburg podiatry office today to make an appointment to learn more about taking care of your feet when you have diabetes.