Here are the top five questions and answers regarding diabetic footcare.
No matter whether you were born with diabetes or you developed this metabolic disorder over time, it’s important that you have a podiatrist, such as our Birmingham and Sylacauga, AL, podiatrists, Dr. Robert Russell and Dr. James Bowman, that can provide you with the care you need. Here are the top five questions we get most about caring for diabetic feet.
How does diabetes affect my feet?
Diabetes needs to be properly managed with a healthy lifestyle and through insulin medication. If your diabetes is untreated or improperly treated, these elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, particularly in the feet. As a result, people with diabetes are more at risk for ulcers, infections, numbness and loss of sensation in the feet and amputation. This is why it’s incredibly important that you are practicing good diabetic foot care and turning to the right medical team here in Birmingham and Sylacauga, AL, to make sure your diabetes is under control.
How can I keep my feet healthy?
Again, the best way to keep your feet healthy is to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and make sure that you are getting the proper insulin dosage to help balance out your levels so they aren’t too low or too high. If blood sugar is properly controlled, you’re less likely to deal with diabetic-related foot complications. Other ways to keep diabetic feet healthy include,
- Examining them daily to detect problems early
- Wash and dry your feet with soap and warm water daily
- Wearing shoes and socks everywhere (even indoors)
- Trim nails properly (or have our Birmingham, AL, podiatrists do it for you)
- Getting regular activity to keep blood flowing to the feet
When should I see a podiatrist for routine checkups?
If you don’t have nerve damage in your feet and your circulation is good, then you may be able to get away with turning to our podiatrists once a year for checkups; however, those at risk for complications, as well as patients with numbness in their feet, should come into the office every couple of months for a checkup.
What foot problems require medical attention?
Since even the smallest injury can lead to an ulcer or serious infection it’s important that you don’t ignore any symptoms or foot problems you’re experiencing. You should schedule an immediate appointment with us if you are dealing with,
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Changes in skin color
- Cuts or blisters
- Calluses and corns
- Sores and open wounds
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal infections
How can I prevent diabetic foot ulcers?
Ulcers are preventable with the proper care. This is one of the reasons why you should address any injury to the foot right away, as even the smallest scrape or cut can lead to these open sores. Other ways to reduce your risk for diabetic foot ulcers are to manage your blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight.
Podiatry Associates provides comprehensive diabetic footcare to patients living in and around Birmingham and Sylacauga, AL. To schedule an appointment with our podiatrists, call (205) 933-9595 or (256) 249-2212 today.