Diabetes can be overwhelming when it comes to remembering the ways in which to best care for your body—including your feet. That's why Dr. Robert Russell and Dr. James Bowman of Podiatry Associates in Birmingham and Sylacauga, AL, have answered common questions on proper diabetic footcare.
Why does diabetes affect my feet?
Whether you were born with diabetes or were recently diagnosed, you're undoubtedly familiar with managing diabetes through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking medication (e.g. commonly insulin).
When diabetes is improperly treated or completely left untreated, your blood sugar levels can cause damage to your blood vessels and nerves, especially in your feet. Performing proper footcare when you have diabetes decreases your risk in developing ulcers, infections, numbness, or in severe cases, amputation.
What are diabetic foot ulcers and how can I prevent them?
Diabetic ulcerations point to warning signs of diabetes impacting your lower leg. These ulcers often develop from minor cuts or wounds that heal slowly. When untreated, diabetic foot ulcers become increasingly difficult to remedy, and can lead to amputation—but with early medical treatment by Dr. Russell and Dr. Bowman, the ulcers are less likely to lead to amputation.
What foot other complications can arise if I have diabetes?
Minor injuries or cuts can quickly lead to developing an ulcer or infection, which is why it is pivotal to maintain proper diabetic footcare. You should visit Podiatry Associates in Birmingham and Sylacauga, AL, if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- fungal infection
- pain
- changes to your skin color
- redness
- inflammation or swelling
- open wounds or cuts
- sores or blisters
- ingrown toenails
Are there ways to keep my feet healthy if I have diabetes?
Keeping your feet healthy with diabetes includes closely monitoring your blood sugar levels by receiving the correct dosage of insulin. When your blood sugar is balanced, you're far less likely to encounter any foot complications from diabetes. However, there are other ways to provide happy and healthy diabetic feet, such as:
- checking your feet regularly to detect any potential issues as early as possible
- always wearing shoes and socks, in and outdoors
- staying active to ensure there's proper blood flow in your feet
- include washing your feet with warm water and soap, followed with drying, in your daily routine
- exhibit proper technique when trimming your toenails, or have our podiatrists do this for you!
Why should I visit with a podiatrist for routine checkups?
It's important that those who have nerve damage and poor blood circulation in their feet to visit with Dr. Russell and Dr. Bowman every few months to confirm that no other foot complications have emerged. Otherwise, maintaining your diabetic footcare and annual checkups at Podiatry Associates in Birmingham and Sylacauga, AL, will keep your feet healthy!
To schedule an appointment with us, give one of our two conveniently located offices a call today:
- for our office in Birmingham, AL: (205) 933-9595
- or, for our office in Sylacauga, AL: (256) 249-2212