Rely on Our Wichita Podiatrist as Your Partner for Good Diabetic Foot Health
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects over 35 million Americans of all ages. If an individual isn’t diligent about managing diabetes and foot care, they may be susceptible to a slew of problems, such as ulcers and wounds that don’t heal properly, fungal infections, ingrown or brittle toenails, and more. Dr. Benjamin Weaver at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates encourages people with diabetes to understand all aspects of their condition, including how to properly look after their feet.
Why Managing Diabetes and Foot Health Matters
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it’s critical to normalize blood sugar levels, eat a balanced whole foods diet, not smoke, and maintain a healthy immune system to help avoid:
- Peripheral neuropathy, which is weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage.
- Peripheral artery disease, a build-up of fatty deposits that cause poor circulation.
If blood sugar levels aren’t stable and the immune system isn’t functioning properly, someone with diabetes may have trouble fending off various fungal foot infections, develop foot ulcers (wounds) that don’t heal properly, and even risk amputation because they’re unaware of dead tissue resulting from a bacterial infection.
There are other foot problems people with diabetes face including:
- Ingrown or brittle toenails
- Corns and calluses
- Hammer toes
Even everyday activities such as walking can cause issues, as foot bones, joints, and skin are affected by the condition.
10 Tips for Diabetic Foot Care
It’s imperative to take control of foot health. Dr. Weaver recommends these tips.
- Check feet daily to detect foot problems, changes, or injuries early on.
- Keep feet warm, and always clean and dry them thoroughly, especially between toes. Only apply lotion to your heels to prevent cracking, not between toes, which helps reduce the risk of fungal infections. And treat your feet gently—pat dry, and avoid tears in the skin.
- Wear comfortable shoes and—and don’t use the same pair every day. Choose footwear with roomy toe boxes, supportive soles, and flexible leather uppers to avoid pinching, rubbing, or pressure.
- Use clean, dry, moisture-wicking socks without tears or irritating seams.
- Don’t leave your feet unprotected. Loose socks are best for sleeping, and avoid going barefoot or wearing flip-flops.
- Never expose feet to heat or high water temperatures, as a loss of feeling may result in severe burns.
- Maintain good foot circulation by not smoking, avoiding stockings or socks with tight elastic bands, and don’t cross your feet or legs while sitting.
- Carefully shape toenails straight across with an emery board. This helps prevent ingrown toenails.
- Don’t use over-the-counter foot products such as antiseptic solutions, plasters, tapes, or anything sticky—they can damage the skin and lead to wounds.
- Don’t treat corns or calluses at home. See a podiatrist for proper care.
Proper diabetic foot care is essential for managing the condition and preventing severe complications. If you have diabetes, schedule regular podiatric care appointments to prevent foot problems that can easily get out of control. Dr. Weaver helps you develop a routine maintenance plan and can quickly spot any developing problems before they worsen.