When you are dealing with diabetes, there can be a number of problems that you face in your feet and legs. Diabetes is a condition that can put you at risk for blisters, ulcers, bunions, corns, and calluses and the high blood sugar means that any small injuries can turn into something much more dangerous. If you are looking to protect your feet and legs if you are a diabetic in Redmond, there are several steps that you can take.
Inspect Daily
Take the time each day to see if there are any cracks or sores developing on your feet. Try to place a mirror on the floor to look under your feet or ask someone in your household if they can inspect your feet to make sure that there are no areas of concern.
Do Not Test The Waters
If you have nerve damage due to diabetes or neuropathy, you may have a difficult time telling if the water in your bath or foot bath is too hot. It is important that you check the temperature of the water before putting your feet in, as this can lead to blisters or burns that could bring on an infection.
Use Support Footwear And Socks
Special care should be taken while shopping for footwear when you have diabetes. You need to find shoes that are the right fit and offer quality coverage on both the top and the bottom. It is also best to find options that do not have seams on the inside that can rub on your foot and cause blisters.
Never Go Barefoot
While foot protection is best for everyone, people with diabetes need to think about foot coverage at all times. This means having shoes or the right slippers to cut back on the risk of scrapes, glass shards, splinters, and other potential hazards from penetrating your feet.
Keep Those Tootsies Dry
Drying your feet properly should always be part of your regular hygiene routine, including the tight space located in between your toes. Skin can become overly moist, which is the perfect storm for infection. Dry your feet after cleansing and always remove socks or shoes that are wet or sweaty.
Visit Your Podiatrist
A professional podiatrist should be part of your diabetic healthcare team to ensure proper foot health at all times. Your podiatrist can inspect your feet, suggest the right footwear and socks, and make sure that you are able to care for your feet to prevent problems from happening.
Use Orthotic Shoes
While you may think you have the right shoes for your diabetic feet, you will see that going with specialty orthotic shoes will give you the right amount of coverage and support. These shoes are good for both the prevention and treatment of feet that have issues with blisters, ulcers, and sores due to diabetes.
Low-Impact Exercise
You will always benefit from exercise, but when you have diabetes you need to be sure that you are choosing the right movements for the best results. Be mindful of your fitness routine and choose something that is low-impact to save your feet. This will include walking, swimming, and other exercises that do not put a great deal of pressure on your feet. Regardless of the activity you choose, the right footwear is key.
Quit Smoking
There are countless dangers of smoking, which includes poor circulation. Diabetics should think about quitting smoking to help improve circulation in the feet to keep them healthy and safe from the potential for more damage.
Control Blood Sugar
There is a strong connection between damage to your nerve cells and your blood sugar levels. It is important to control your blood sugar for overall health, including your feet and legs.
Check In Regularly
No matter what is going on in your life and how severe your diabetes may be, checking in regularly with your professional healthcare team will help you to stay on top of any issues with your legs and feet. You can trust the staff at Mill Creek & Ankle Clinic to offer advice and treatments for your diabetic feet.
Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic can help you protect your feet and legs if you are a diabetic in Redmond. Call us today! You can reach Dr. Hall at (425) 482-6663 for a consultation.
