Do’s and Don’ts for Keeping Diabetic Feet Safe

At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle Care, we know patients with diabetes have to take extra special care of their feet. There are several conditions associated with the disease that put your feet at risk for medical complications:

• Neuropathy or nerve damage. Neuropathy can cause decreased sensation in your feet which means you may sustain a cut or injury and not realize it. Some nerves are responsible for ensuring the correct amount of oil secretions to keep your skin moisturized. When these don’t function properly, overly dry skin that cracks and bleeds may occur.

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This condition narrows your arteries, decreasing your circulation. It increases your susceptibility to foot infections and makes it harder to heal them.

Fortunately, there are ways you can get ahead of these issues and protect your feet. Below are some do’s and don’ts for avoiding diabetic complications:

Do: wash your feet with soap and water every day. Dry thoroughly and apply a rich moisturizer before bed.

Do: examine your feet daily. Look over your entire foot for changes in skin color, swelling, bruising, thickening toenails, and sores or cuts. Report anything concerning to our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales,  promptly. Most likely, the foot doctor will want you to come into our Hudson office (727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799), so he can examine your feet and take any necessary precautionary measures to head off a problem before it gets out of control.

Don’t: walk barefoot. It’s easy for a small puncture wound or cut to go undetected if you have lost sensation in your feet. It increases the risk of an infection developing. Around the pool or in the gym going barefoot also leaves you open to fungal infections.

Don’t: remove warts, calluses, or corns. It is a job for the podiatrist! Attempts at bathroom surgery usually result in injury and infection.

Do: choose footwear carefully. Make sure your shoes fit correctly and have adequate room in the toe box. Avoid socks that have tight elastic around the tops or seams that could irritate your toes.

Don’t: forget to apply sunscreen to your feet, even on non-pool or beach days. Open sandals and shoe styles leave the skin on your feet exposed to the sun’s harmful rays.

Diabetes can be harmful to your feet, but you can avoid many of the complications commonly associated with the disease with the appropriate care. If you have questions about your feet and diabetes, contact us.