Nerve damage, infections, and circulation problems can lead to serious foot troubles if you have diabetes. However, you can maintain healthy feet by managing your diabetes, taking precautions, and sticking to a healthy lifestyle.
People with diabetes are always recommended to monitor their blood sugar levels daily. Meanwhile, they should also eat a balanced diet (rich in vegetables and fruits) and exercise daily to take utmost care of their feet. But most importantly, they must visit a foot care doctor in Jacksonville FL, for regular checkups. These are a few standard foot care guidelines that every diabetic patient should follow, but the list doesn't end here. Along with the tips mentioned above, you should also follow the below procedures to take good care of your feet.
#1 Cut Your Nails Carefully
Diabetic patients have to be very careful while cutting their nails. They must cut nails straight and file the edges. Besides, they should also avoid cutting nails too short because it may result in ingrown toenails. Don't delay consulting with your foot doctor if you have any concerns about your nails.
#2 Daily Foot Care
Adopting the following foot care habits will help you to take good care of your feet:
Thoroughly inspect your feet and toes daily. In addition, you must also check your sides, heels, tops, and soles. You can use a mirror if you are unable to check your own feet. Consider contacting a foot care doctor in Jacksonville FL, if you notice redness, blisters, sores, cuts, or bruises in your feet.
You should wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap. It is essential to know that diabetes may make it difficult for your feet to sense the water temperature. So, check the temperature with your fingers. After washing your feet, pat them to dry. Your feet can become a favorable ground for infections if you leave them moist.
Apply some moisturizing oil or lotion on your feet once they are completely dry. While applying cream, never use them between your toes.
#3 Be Careful with Socks
Many socks manufacturers make socks specifically for patients living with diabetes. Some of the key features of these socks are as follows:
They have extra cushioning.
Diabetic socks have stretchy cuffs that don't block blood flow.
They don't have elastic tops.
The comfortable fit of diabetic socks doesn't cause wrinkles or bunches on foot.
They are made of special fibers that wick moisture away and keep feet dry.
The features mentioned above set diabetic socks apart from regular socks. Wearing diabetic socks is not the end of diabetes foot care. You also have to change your socks daily. You can expect the following benefits from diabetic socks:
They keep the feet dry.
Diabetic socks improve blood flow.
They can prevent fungal infections.
We hope that these diabetes foot care guidelines will help you to take good care of your feet. However, if you still have any concerns about your feet, then feel free to visit Total Foot Care Podiatry & Wound Clinic. Our team consists of diabetic foot care specialists who can help you take utmost care of your feet.