For individuals with diabetes, proper foot care is crucial to prevent complications that can arise due to poor circulation and nerve damage. Diabetic patients should inspect their feet regularly for any signs of trouble, such as cuts, blisters, or sores, as these can quickly develop into more serious infections. Loss of feeling, known as neuropathy, is common in people who have diabetes and can make it difficult to notice injuries or infections. Changes in the shape of the feet or toes, such as swelling or the development of bunions, can also signal potential issues that need attention. Foot pain, whether constant or occasional, should not be ignored, as it could indicate an underlying problem like arthritis or poor circulation. Wearing well-fitting shoes and keeping the feet clean and moisturized can help prevent many foot issues. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.
Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.
The Importance of Caring for Your Feet
Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.
It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.
Corns are thickened areas of skin that form on the feet in response to repeated friction or pressure, often from ill-fitting footwear. Unlike calluses, which are larger and typically painless, corns are smaller, with a firm core that can become painful when pressed against. Corns may develop on the tops of toes, between toes, or on other areas subjected to pressure, including those affected by bunions or other structural foot issues. A podiatrist can trim or reduce the corn safely, which minimizes discomfort and prevents further complications. For those with frequent corns, a podiatrist may also recommend custom orthotics to better distribute weight and reduce localized pressure on the feet. This foot doctor also can advise on footwear choices and adjustments to walking gait to help minimize corn formation. If you have developed a painful corn on your foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them? Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
Well-fitting socks
Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
Have your child's feet been examined lately? Healthy feet are happy feet. If your child is complaining of foot pain, it may be a sign of underlying problems.
Recurring diabetic foot ulcers are a common issue for individuals with diabetes, often caused by poor blood flow and prolonged pressure on certain areas of the foot. These factors impair the ability to feel pain and delay healing, making it difficult to detect injuries early and increasing the risk of repeated wounds. Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes, unaddressed foot deformities, and inadequate foot care can also contribute. Preventing recurrence starts with managing blood sugar levels to enhance healing and circulation. Regular foot inspections, wearing diabetic-friendly footwear, and keeping the skin clean and moisturized are essential. Proper offloading techniques, such as custom orthotics or specialized insoles, can reduce pressure on vulnerable areas. If you have recurring diabetic foot ulcers, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can create a tailored treatment and prevention plan.
Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from Pennsylvania Foot & Ankle. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Is Wound Care?
Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic.
What Is the Importance of Wound Care?
While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.
How to Care for Wounds
The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.
