Podiatry For Diabetics: How To Cope With Feet Problems

One of the most common problems that diabetics face is problems with their feet. Diabetic foot problems can range from minor issues like blisters and bunions to more serious complications like infections and ulcers. In extreme cases, diabetes can lead to amputation of the affected foot or leg. Therefore, if you are diabetic, in addition to taking good care of your feet, you should also see a podiatrist regularly. A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in foot and ankle issues.

If you are diabetic, here are some helpful tips on how to cope with foot issues.

Take Care of Cuts Immediately

If you have diabetes, it’s important to take extra care of your skin. That means taking special care of any cuts or scrapes you may get.

Here are some tips:

1. Clean the wound right away with soap and water. Dry it off well.
2. Apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.
3. Put a bandage on the wound and change it regularly, at least once a day or more if it gets wet or dirty.
4. Watch for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or pus coming from the wound.

It is best to consult a podiatrist for wounds that are not healing normally for proper wound care.

Keep Your Feet Moisturized

Another good tip is to use a foot cream or lotion every day, paying special attention to any areas that seem particularly dry or cracked. Dry skin on the feet can easily break, and you want to avoid any type of wound as much as possible. If you’re at home, try wearing socks to lock in the moisture in your feet.

Keep Toenails Properly Trimmed

Toenails should be trimmed straight across and not too short to avoid ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail for a diabetic can go from minor irritation to a full-blown issue. The ingrown toenail can cause bigger problems with circulation in the feet and easily lead to an infection.

Wear Comfortable and Supportive Shoes

As a diabetic, you must choose good shoes that support and protect your feet. First, you should look for shoes with a good fit. Second, you should avoid shoes with tight straps or anything that could constrict the foot. Third, you should choose shoes made of breathable materials to help keep the feet dry and comfortable. Lastly, you should select shoes with low heels and good arch support to minimize stress on the feet. New Balance and Skechers make comfortable shoes, but it’s best to check with your podiatrist, who can also provide you with custom orthotics, which offer additional support and cushioning to any shoe.

Podiatry Services for Diabetics in St. Peters, O’Fallon & Wentzville, MO

Dr. Anthony Lombardo is our board-certified podiatrist at Advanced Bone & Joint. Dr. Lombardo is passionate about serving the unique podiatry needs of diabetic patients, including proper diabetic wound care to avoid severe complications and preserve limbs as much as possible. It is recommended that diabetics see their podiatrist regularly for checkups.

With the right support, you can maintain normal function and enjoy your life, even with diabetes. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lombardo, call our office today at (636) 229-4222 or use our convenient online appointment request form.