Tips for Preventing Diabetes Complications
When you’re diagnosed with diabetes, taking care of your feet instantly becomes a daily necessity. The days of ignoring a blister or slapping a bandage on a minor cut are over, as a seemingly routine scrape can easily become an infection that may result in a much bigger problem if ignored.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) recommends inspecting your feet daily, including the top, sides, soles, heels, and between the toes for:
- Dry and cracked skin
- Blisters or sores
- Bruises or cuts
- Redness, warmth, or tenderness
- Firm or hard spots
Failing to address any foot problems can lead to ulcers that can become infected and prevent healing. For many people, this has resulted in an amputation of their lower extremities, which could have been avoided if proper treatment from a podiatrist had been sought.
To prevent foot problems, it is advised that you seek medical treatment from a podiatrist and do not treat the problem yourself. In addition, it is advised to:
- Wash your feet regularly with warm water and mild soap.
- Dry your feet after washing them, especially between your toes.
- Use topical moisturizers. Do not moisturize between your toes.
- Do not use medical pads, shave, or cut corns or calluses. Seek professional help. Instead, use a pumice stone to gently remove corms and calluses after a bath, when the skin is still soft.
- Cut your toenails straight across, instead of curved as they are more likely to become an ingrown toenail.
Diabetes complications pertaining to the feet are just as critical as checking your insulin daily. If you would like to schedule a diabetic foot exam by a podiatrist at Triad Foot and Ankle Center, call 336-375-6990 or click here to schedule online.
