High blood sugar can lead to nerve damage, leading to diabetic neuropathy. The numbness, tingling, or burning pain that you may feel are signals that you may have loss of sensation to your feet. This combination can put your feet at risk: diabetes may reduce blood flow to the feet and neuropathy may cause you not to notice injuries to your feet due to the decreased pain response. As a result, seemingly mild wounds become much more difficult to heal and resist infection. A wrinkle in your sock or a small cut can produce devastating limb threatening consequences such as an amputation.
If you have diabetes, checking your feet daily will keep you walking and maintain your healthy lifestyle. If you have a callus that is painful or a blister that won’t heal, it is important to come to our facility sooner than later. Regular foot exams by a qualified foot and ankle specialist, daily self-inspection, and wearing protective footwear are keys to practicing preventative care.
To keep your feet healthy, follow these guidelines:
Cleaning your feet
Maintain your toenails
If your nails are elongated and thickened, it is best to consult before attempting to cut your own toenails. Thick nails can create pressure to the nail bed and can create injuries with improper footwear.
Daily self-inspection is the most important thing you can do to protect your feet and prevent injuries from getting worse. Contact Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center immediately if you see a problem with your feet, no matter how small it may seem.
It is important to wear proper socks and footwear to prevent any areas of excessive pressure that can create wounds. Avoid walking barefoot at all times as you may step on an object that can cause an injury. No single type of footwear is appropriate for everyone. Especially if you have a bunion and/or hammertoes, it is important to discuss about selecting proper socks and footwear. Call Florida Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center today by dialing 941-924-8777 to learn more about your Diabetic Foot Care options.