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If you’re suffering from diabetes, then you’re most likely already aware that it is especially important to take extra care of your feet. Here are some tips for diabetic foot care that you can perform on a daily basis and thus help you live a healthier lifestyle:
1. Daily Inspection
It’s crucial to inspect your feet on a daily basis. Pay close attention to how many cuts,
red spots, or blisters are currently on your feet and if there are any new appearances. If you notice swelling in your feet or anything out of the ordinary, you should seek immediate diabetic foot care treatment in Baltimore or the surrounding areas. Our doctors can properly examine your feet for any needed treatment and also instruct you on what to look for during your daily foot inspections.
2. Washing is a Must
Keeping your feet clean is imperative for a diabetic since a dirty foot can easily lead to infection. Thus, you should incorporate daily foot washing into your schedule and especially focus on cleaning the regions between your toes and on the bottoms of your feet. Use lukewarm soap water and a soft sponge to gently wash your feet. If you have any questions about daily foot washing, our podiatrists in Baltimore and the surrounding areas will be happy to answer them for you.
3. About Toenails
As a diabetic, you should also be sure to keep your toenails regularly trimmed to prevent accidentally scratching or cutting yourself. Keeping your toenails trimmed also helps with foot hygiene and infection prevention. Podiatry Associates suggests visiting one of our convenient Maryland locations for your routine nail trimming in order to avoid potential cuts during the trimming process. This is particularly important if your case of diabetes has weakened the sense of feeling in your feet, and an accidental cut could easily go unnoticed and create complications.
4. Dry Feet
The area present between your toes should be kept dry or immediately dried prior to washing. If your feet remain wet for a long period of time, germs can easily spread and infection can set in. It is a good practice to wash your feet every time you take off your shoes and socks. Make sure to use a soft towel to dry your feet immediately after washing.
5. Quality of the Socks
As a diabetic patient, you should also consider the quality of socks that you wear. There are special diabetic socks on the market that are designed to protect your feet and keep them clean and dry. Remember that your health is more important than looks – special diabetic socks can help keep your feet healthy.
6. Don’t Smoke
Diabetes and smoking don’t mix. If you suffer from diabetes then we cannot emphasize enough how important it is for you to quit smoking. Due to the nature of the disease, the overall blood flow in your body is much lower than normal, which means that wounds and cuts take a lot longer time to heal. To make matters worse, the nicotine from smoking causes your blood vessels to narrow and harden which makes blood flow even more difficult and can lead to serious complications in restricted blood flow and sometimes nerve damage, kidney failure and heart problems.
If you are a diabetic who struggles with smoking, you should seek medical examination immediately and begin scheduling regular diabetic foot care treatment.
7. Keep an Eye on Your Blood Sugar Levels
You can monitor whether your blood circulation level is stable or not if you check your
blood sugar levels on a frequent basis. If your blood sugar levels are off, then you should immediately seek medical attention and have both your blood sugar level and circulation checked.
8. Exercise
Exercise will help with blood circulation. Walking in the morning for 30 minutes is a great way to start your day the healthy way. When you’ve completed your 30 minute exercise, just make sure to remove your shoes and socks and wash your feet. Then immediately dry your feet and put on a fresh pair of diabetic socks.
9. Professional Foot Check-up
If you haven’t had a foot check up in awhile or you’re unsure about the condition of your feet, it is a good idea to ask a podiatrist. The doctor can give you all types of health tips related to your specific case of diabetes and most importantly, you’ll be able to sleep better at night knowing that your feet are in good hands.
If you need to see one of our podiatrists in Baltimore and the surrounding area or have any questions about the tips described above, check out our Podiatry Associates locations and find a podiatrist near you. Feel free to call our scheduling office to discuss your specific situation: (833) 500-FEET.
Podiatry Associates of Bel Air
The best podiatrists in Bel Air, MD.
1 N Main St.
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-879-1212
Podiatry Associates of Columbia
The best podiatrists in Columbia, MD.
5500 Knoll N Dr #440
Columbia, MD 21045
Phone: 410-730-0970
Podiatry Associates of Baltimore (Franklin Square)
The best podiatrists in Baltimore, MD.
9105 Franklin Square Dr #206
Baltimore, MD 21237
Phone: 410-574-3900
Podiatry Associates of Towson (GBMC)
The best podiatrists in Towson, MD.
6569 N Charles St # 702
Towson, MD 21204
Phone: 410-828-5420
Note: GBMC Physicians Pavilion West
Podiatry Associates of Baltimore (Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital)
The best podiatrists in, MD.
5601 Loch Raven Blvd # 400
Baltimore, MD 21239
Phone: 410-433-2500
Podiatry Associates of Perry Hall
The best podiatrists in Baltimore, MD.
9712 Belair Rd # Ll3
Baltimore, MD 21236
Phone: 410-256-6060
Podiatry Associates of Baltimore (UMD Midtown)
The best podiatrists in Baltimore, MD.
827 Linden Ave
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-462-5420
Podiatry Associates of Havre De Grace
The best podiatrists in Havre De Grace, MD.
1500 Blenheim, Farm Ln Suite C
Havre De Grace, MD 21078
Phone: 410-939-0055
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Time to See a Podiatrist?
If you have any of the issues described above, it’s time to consult an expert. Connect with Podiatry Associates for an evaluation. All of our doctors are board certified/qualified and we’re dedicated to preserving your foot health.
Other Related Articles:
- What is the Impact of Diabetes in Wound Healing?
- The Key Role of a Podiatrist in Diabetic Foot Care
- What is Diabetic Foot Pain?
- What Diabetic Foot Care Treatments Are Best Left to Your Podiatrist?
- Can a Podiatrist Perform Surgery? What Types?
- When to See A Podiatrist
- Everything You Need to Know About a Podiatrist
- 11 Things Every Patient Should Know About Foot Surgery
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