Tips for Preventing Diabetic Foot Care Issues

Podiatrists can help people with diabetes understand why controlling glucose levels protects sensation and circulation. Focusing on hygiene, inspection, and nail care strengthens foot health routines in the daily lives of people with diabetes. Here are tips for preventing diabetic foot care issues:

Use Correct Footwear

Wear supportive shoes to protect your diabetic feet. Podiatrists recommend shoes with the right arch support and enough space to avoid squeezing toes. Wide, shock-absorbing soles protect pressure-sensitive areas on the foot underside. A podiatrist can assess your gait and prescribe custom orthotics if needed. If you shop for shoes on your own, choose shoes made from breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup. Have your foot size checked regularly since nerve damage means people with diabetes do not always feel if shoes are too tight.

Apply Moisturizers for Diabetic Skin

Keep diabetic feet soft and moisturized to avoid dry, cracked skin that could allow bacteria entry. Podiatrists help people with diabetes adopt moisturizing routines that rebuild the skin barrier. Visit a podiatrist for customized skincare strategies, such as using thick lotions and wearing socks to bed, for the unique issues diabetes causes your feet.

Engage in Preventative Exercises

Maintaining foot and leg strength helps people with diabetes avoid issues like foot drop, a condition that causes difficulty lifting the front of the foot, making the toes drag. A diabetic foot care podiatrist can assess your limitations and prescribe exercises for flexibility and balance. Undergoing preventative or recovery physical therapy also enhances your mobility. You learn techniques to work minor foot muscles at home between appointments.

Increase Circulation

Good circulation brings nutrient-rich blood to diabetic feet, helping nourish tissues and fight infection. Podiatrists use tools to assess circulation in the feet and legs to spot poor blood flow early. People with diabetes should schedule regular check-ups to determine if they have inadequate circulation instead of waiting for wounds that will not heal. If possible, engage in circulation-boosting activities such as walking and stretching to keep blood flowing to vulnerable areas. Elevate your feet when sitting to enhance venous return. Drink plenty of water to keep arteries clear and avoid crossing your legs, which restricts blood flow.

Spot Early Signs

A podiatrist can teach you what to monitor, including calluses, corns, redness, swelling, nail changes, and fungal growth. Look for punctures, spots that are weeping fluid or puss, or areas that feel warmer than usual, as these can indicate infection. Meanwhile, monitor for signals like numbness, burning pain, or tingling, which may point to nerve damage. Early professional diagnosis allows for treatment before issues escalate into irreversible damage.

Care For Non-Healing Wounds

Diabetes makes feet prone to injuries that do not heal well. Even small cuts can deteriorate into deep ulcers if ignored, but professional wound care helps diabetic lesions that do not close. Podiatrists may use advanced wound treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy to increase blood flow to the affected area. At home, try to implement foot self-examinations and hygiene into your daily routine. If a limp or heel pain begins interfering with everyday life, it is advisable to call a foot doctor as soon as possible.

Get Diabetic Foot Care Help Today

A podiatrist should help you create routines that meet your unique physical goals and needs. These doctors may also assist you in finding specialized items to help you protect your lower extremities, such as orthopedic shoes and compression socks designed to improve circulation. You may protect your mobility by quickly addressing any foot issues you notice and regularly visiting a qualified foot doctor. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist today to start healthy diabetic foot care.