People that suffer from diabetes are at high risk for suffering from diabetic foot conditions. These issues can occur when there are increased blood sugar levels, which causes poor circulation in the foot, or neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy can cause the loss of sensation in the feet, often causing one to lose the ability to feel any pain or temperature changes, which can lead to other more major foot problems. If left untreated, complications from diabetic feet may occur, often resulting in infections, death of the tissues, and ulceration.
Tips To Prevent Diabetic Foot
Preventing diabetic foot from occurring is the best way to avoid further complications. The following tips can help to ensure that you prevent the occurrence of a diabetic foot:
- Keep your diabetes under control. It is important that you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeping your diabetes under control. Be sure to see your physician regularly.
- See your podiatrist regularly. It is critical that you perform regular checks, checking your feet for cuts, sores, burns, and other problems.
- Keep your skin clean and moisturized. Regularly cleaning your feet and applying lotion to your feet will help keep them from getting too dry, thus avoiding cracking of the skin. Keep in mind that you should not put lotion in between toes, as this may cause an infection.
- Wear shoes and socks. Wearing shoes and socks all the time, refraining from going barefoot, will help to ensure you are avoiding potential injuries to your feet.
- Protect your feet from cold and heat.
- Keep good blood circulation. Performing regular exercises will help to keep the blood flow moving in your feet.
If you are suffering from diabetic foot, be sure to contact your podiatrist immediately. For more information and help with your foot and ankle issues, contact the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois today.
