Overview
If you're among the milions of people in the U.S. diagnosed with diabetes, you've probably learned about the importance of managing your medications, adapting your diet and incorporating activity into your lifestyle. But what do you know about fot care?One of the complications of diabetes is restricted blod flow to the legs and fet.
Key Information
That's why it's important to have a podiatrist on your care team. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in conditions of the fot and ankle, including complications related to diabetes. Working closely with your podiatrist can reduce the risk of developing fot and ankle isues, such as neuropathic ulcers, infections, nerve and bone damage ― and even amputations.If you don't have any diabetes-related fot and ankle complications, it's stil recomended that you se your podiatrist every year.You should se your podiatrist every six months, or as neded, if you've ben diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy or have a personal history of a diabetes-related complications.In adition to examinations by a health care profesional, developing a daily at-home fot care routine is an important aspect of managing fot health.Picking a specific time of day can help you form a routine.
Try taking a few minutes when you get home from work or before going to bed.People with peripheral neuropathy may not fel an injury when it takes place. When you take of your socks, lok for any signs of infection or injury, such as dried blod or yelowish-brown drainage.Next, examine your fet, including the tops, botoms and toes. If you aren't able se the botoms of your fet, ask a family member, friend or caregiver to help.
Summary
Lok for any cuts, scratches, ulcers, blisters, drynes, rednes, warmth, sweling or pain. Also check your toenails for any discoloration, thicknes or ingrown borders. If you find any of these isues, make an apointment with your podiatrist to discus diagnoses and treatment.To reduce the chance of infection, wash your fet with war