MVS Podiatry Associates

Category: Diabetic Foot Care

  • Podiatrist Approved Tips for Diabetic Foot Care Health

    Podiatrist Approved Tips for Diabetic Foot Care Health

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    Proper foot care is imperative for people with diabetes because even a minor injury such as a small cut can lead to severe implications. Poor circulation and nerve damage caused by diabetes can put you at risk of leg/foot amputation and irreversible foot damage; therefore, you must prevent injuries and infections from developing in the first place to avoid the need for diabetic wound care.

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    Here are some essential health practices for diabetics:

    1.    Daily Foot Inspection

    People with diabetes should inspect their feet for cuts, blisters, nail problems, swelling and redness daily. It is important to be thorough; our podiatrists at Podiatry Associates suggest that you use a magnifying handheld mirror to check the bottom of your feet. If you notice anything call our podiatrists in Baltimore at Podiatry Associates to schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that this daily inspection should not replace your routine diabetic check-up with your podiatrist.

    2.    Daily Gentle Cleaning

    Gentle regular cleaning of your feet is essential, do not use hot water when washing your feet, only use lukewarm water. Our podiatrists suggest sticking to a comfortable lukewarm temperature that you would use to bathe a newborn baby. It is vital to be gentle when cleaning your feet and avoid scrubbing since feeling in your feet is typically absent. Use a soft washcloth or sponge and gently dry by blotting or patting. Don’t forget to clean and dry between your toes. 

    3.    Never Treat Yourself

    Our podiatrist strongly advise against treating yourself even for simple things like cutting your own nails and trimming calluses to more complicated treatments of corns, ingrown toenail removal surgery, and diabetic foot ulcer treatment. This means no bathroom surgery and medicated pads. Only a professional should perform diabetic foot care treatment Baltimore.

    4.    Invest In Socks For Diabetics

    Our podiatrists in Baltimore advise people with diabetes to always wear a fresh pair of clean and dry socks daily. Special socks, made especially for people with diabetes, is an excellent investment because these socks are designed with extra cushioning, no elastic tops, and cover higher than the ankle. Diabetic socks are made from moisture-wicking fibers that keep feet dry and minimize the chances of fungal infection caused by sweat.

    5.    Clean Out Your Shoes

    Before you wear your shoes, it is essential that you clean them out by shaking them and feeling the inside. This is significant because a pebble or other foreign object might cause a small cut or injury that could quickly escalate into a bigger issue. So always inspect and clean out your shoes before you put them on.

    6.    Avoid Walking Barefoot

    As mentioned earlier, any cut or injury can lead to a big problem. So it is best never to walk barefoot – not even when you are at home! Shoes and slippers minimize the chances of getting a scratch or a cut.

    7.    Keep Your Diabetes In Check

    For every diabetic, keeping the blood sugar levels under control is most important and the best way to prevent further complications and issues. Schedule a regular appointment for diabetic foot care Baltimore.

    8.    Stay Active

    It is essential to stay active to keep your blood flowing. Daily walks and exercise will keep your feet in good health, and it will also have a positive impact on your overall health.

    9.    Quit Smoking

    Although, it might seem at first to be completely unrelated to taking care of your feet, smoking is especially hazardous for diabetics. Our podiatrists in Baltimore recommend diabetes patients to refrain from smoking because it can restrict blood flow to your feet.

     

    Foot care should be a necessary part of your daily routine. Remember, proper diabetic foot health starts with you so set a routine and follow the above tips on an everyday basis.

    If you need professional diabetic foot care treatment in Baltimore and the surrounding areas 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.

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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.

     

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  • The Key Role of a Podiatrist in Diabetic Foot Care

    The Key Role of a Podiatrist in Diabetic Foot Care

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    Did you know your feet can show early warning signs of diabetes? This is one of the reasons a podiatrist plays an important role in diabetic foot care. A podiatrist may notice the hallmarks of diabetes before you even know you have it.

    As you manage your diabetes over time, a podiatrist can provide vital advice and health care that keeps your condition under control. Here’s a closer look at the relationship between diabetes and your feet.

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    What to Look For

     

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    9 Diabetes Warning Signs in the Foot

    Pay close attention to any changes in the condition of your feet. Common foot-related diabetes warning signs include:

    1. Color changes in the skin
    2. Swelling in the foot or ankle
    3. Numbness anywhere in the foot, including the toes
    4. Leg and ankle pain
    5. Open and slow-healing sores
    6. Ingrown toenails
    7. Fungus and infections
    8. Bleeding corns and calluses, blisters, and bunions
    9. Cracks and extreme dryness, especially in the heel

    If you have one or more of these signs, contact your podiatrist for an evaluation. Podiatrists are trained extensively in understanding the connections between diabetes and the feet.

    Why Does Diabetes Damage the Feet?

    When you have diabetes, your body does not manufacture or process insulin efficiently. As you take in sugars and starches, your body will struggle to cope with their impact on the body and tend toward high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia.

    Over time, diabetes can damage the systems and organs of the body. You may have problems with your kidneys, heart, nerves, and eyes.

    Because the feet are distant from the restorative pumping action of the heart, there is an increased risk for foot damage due to peripheral vascular disease. There’s also a greater chance of having diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage. These conditions can lead to tingling, numbness, restricted blood flow, ulcers, gangrene, and many other health problems.

    Managing the Impact of Diabetes Through Foot Care

    Your podiatrist can help you understand how diabetes will affect your feet, so you can limit its impact. Here are a few examples of how a podiatrist plays a key role in diabetes management.

    Nerve damage. A podiatrist can caution you about the everyday implications of nerve damage. For example, you may misjudge the temperature of water on your feet and hands. This could lead to scalding and burns. You also might not notice a rock in your shoe, which could cause a wound.

    Ulcers and sores. You may be more prone to persistent open wounds, so it will be important to do daily foot checks.

    Corns, cracks, and calluses. People with diabetes often have dry feet and trouble with corns and calluses. Aggressive filing and rubbing can make these worse, so consult with your podiatrist about how to treat them properly.

    Use of lotions. Certain lotions and foot products have a drying effect that’s not good for people with diabetes. Your podiatrist can recommend specific products that are the right fit for you.

    Nutrition and wellness. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol can make diabetes worse, in turn affecting the health of your feet.

    Lifestyle choices. Your podiatrist may advise you not to walk barefoot, which can cause other foot problems to worsen. It’s a good idea to discuss any sports or activities you participate in, as well as upcoming vacations. Consult your podiatrist about choosing socks, hosiery, and shoes that are right for managing your diabetes.

    Routine checkups. It’s important to see a podiatrist regularly, even when your feet aren’t bothering you. Podiatrists are often the first to notice diabetes-related foot problems, because patients may have nerve damage, limited mobility, or simply can’t see issues on the bottoms of the feet.

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    For More Information

    Do you have additional questions about the relationship between diabetes and foot care? Connect with Podiatry Associates for an evaluation and a discussion about your situation. All of our doctors are board certified/qualified and we’re dedicated to preserving your foot health.

     

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