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Getting diagnosed with diabetes changes a lot about your life. From monitoring your blood sugar levels to adjusting your diet, you’re probably making some changes. Those should include extra care for your feet.
We can help. Because William T. DeCarbo, DPM, FACFAS, treats a range of foot problems, he has the expertise you need to address the different issues that can crop up with diabetes. To get a podiatrist on your side to defend against diabetic foot issues, come see Dr. DeCarbo and our team at Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center in Wexford, Pennsylvania.
We also want to equip you to protect your feet on your own. Here are five tips we recommend you start implementing today:
#1: Check your feet daily
One of the biggest problems with diabetes is that it affects the nerves in your feet. Consistently high blood sugar levels damage nerves, which often leads to diabetic neuropathy.
This condition can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. You might develop a blister or scrape your foot but not know it. Because you don’t realize that area needs attention, the wound can fester.
To make matters worse, diabetes slows wound healing.
All of this can compound into a serious situation. If the wound gets infected but goes unchecked, you could need major intervention. Many diabetes-related amputations start with relatively small issues that don’t get the care they need.
Long story short: check your feet daily.
#2: Care for any wounds — no matter how small
If you notice anything when you’re checking your feet, even a tiny scrape, clean and bandage the area. Repeat that daily until the wound heals.
If it doesn’t heal, come see Dr. DeCarbo. You probably have what’s called a diabetic ulcer. Proper medical attention helps to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.
#3: Keep your feet clean and dry
Infection is extra serious if you have diabetes. You notably lower your risk of infection if you keep your feet clean and dry. If you can’t shower right away after you exercise, for example, at least wash your feet and change into clean socks.
In the vein of keeping your feet dry, make sure you wear shoes when you’re in damp environments. This protects you against picking up the fungi that thrive in places like locker rooms and by pools.
If you’re prone to sweaty feet, wear open shoes when you can. When you can’t, carry an extra pair of socks to swap into if your feet start feeling damp.
#4: Wear roomy shoes
To prevent the risk of diabetic ulcers, choose supportive, comfortable shoes that have enough room in them. Shoes that are too small or too narrow can rub, causing a blister you might not even realize is developing.
#5: Cut your toenails straight across
Diabetes increases your risk of complications if you get an ingrown toenail. You can lower your risk with a simple practice: cut your toenails straight across instead of curving the corners. This way, if a shoe does press into your nail, the noncurved edge is less likely to grow down into your skin.
If you want personalized guidance to protect your feet or you have a wound you want Dr. DeCarbo to check out, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit to our office. Call us or book your appointment online today.