Did you know that about 50% of Americans with diabetes experience nerve damage that can affect their legs and feet!? This nerve damage can cause symptoms like foot pain, sores, and loss of feeling.
If you have diabetes, you likely already know that it is very important to keep your blood sugar under control. But there is another part of diabetes care that deserves just as much attention… your feet.
Diabetes can affect the nerves and blood flow in your feet. Although a small blister may not seem like a big deal, for someone with diabetes it can sometimes turn into a more serious problem if it is not taken care of.
There are a few simple things you can do every day to help take good care of your feet.
Check Your Feet!
Look out for the following:
- Cuts/scrapes
- Blisters
- Redness or swelling
- Cracked or peeling skin
- Sores
- Bruises
- Changes in skin color or temperature
Make sure to also look in between your toes, the bottoms of your feet, and your heels. Remember, diabetes can affect the blood flow and feeling to your feet. If someone has diabetic neuropathy, they could have a blister or sore without even feeling pain. This is why checking your feet every day is so important!
Shoes Matter
The type of shows you wear can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your feet!
Make sure the shoes you wear fit properly and do not rub or squeeze your toes. You should also avoid walking around barefoot, including inside your own home. Having your feet exposed increases the chance of causing injury to them.
Before putting on your shoes, check them for anything inside that could cause injury.
Socks are important as well. Make sure you wear comfortable socks that don’t wrap too tightly around your legs and ankles.
Keep Feet Clean and Moisturized
Wash your feet regularly with soap and warm water and then make sure they are fully dry afterwards.
If you have dry or cracked skin, use a moisturizer. Try avoiding putting lotion between your toes because it can cause other issues.
Knowing When To Call Your Doctor
According to Tampa General Hospital, people with diabetes should promptly seek medical care if they experience certain changes or symptoms involving their feet. These can include:
- Burning, pain, or tingling in your feet
- A change in the shape, color, or temperature of your foot
- Pain or cramping in your legs or buttocks during physical activity
- Loss of sensation in your feet or an inability to feel heat, cold, or pain
- Unusually dry or cracked skin on your feet
- New blisters, sores, ulcers, fungal infections, or ingrown toenails
It’s better to be safe than sorry…if something doesn’t look or feel right, get it checked out!
Trimming Toenails
You should be cautious when cutting your toenails and should not cut them too short.
If you have trouble seeing or reaching your feet, and especially if you have nerve or circulation problems, you should speak to your doctor about the safest way to cut your toenails. Consider even going to a podiatrist to do it for you!
Local Podiatrists in the Tampa Bay Area
If you are in the Tampa Bay area, there are several local podiatrists who can help you keep your feet healthy.
Hillsborough County:
Total Foot and Ankle of Tampa Bay has several locations throughout the area, including Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, and surrounding communities. They offer diabetic foot care and other services for people with diabetes. You can learn more about their diabetic foot care here.
Healthy Feet Podiatry is another local option for foot care in the Tampa area. They provide podiatry services, including diabetic foot care, and have locations throughout the area. You can learn more about their services here.
Pinellas County:
Evolve Health in Largo provides podiatry care for people in the Largo and surrounding areas. You can learn more about their Largo location here.
Align Foot & Ankle is another option for foot and ankle care in the Pinellas County area. You can learn more about their practice here.
Your feet never take a day off, so make sure you take care of them!
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