A Podiatrist in Greenbelt, MD Shares Care Tips for the Diabetic Foot

For diabetics, taking care of the body requires extra attention.

Not only will you need to be constantly careful about watching the food you eat and the medications you require (since these can significantly affect your blood sugar levels), but you also have to be especially mindful of any changes going on in your body.

Diabetes typically involves other health complications, so it is necessary to pay attention to any physical changes or additional symptoms that you may be experiencing so that these can be checked and treated right away.

Watch your step

The feet, in particular, must be closely inspected because there is a risk of developing what is called the “diabetic foot.”

Diabetics with this condition will often report the following signs and symptoms:

• Peeling and paleness of the skin
• Swelling, redness, bruising, or sudden deformity
• A burning, tingling sensation
• Numbness
• Shooting or sharp pains
• Some patients would experience sensations that are difficult to describe; they may say that their feet feel like wood, or that they seem to be walking on pillows and feeling little sensation on their feet.

An established podiatrist in Greenbelt, MD shares that developing a diabetic foot can be potentially dangerous.

One, diabetic neuropathy can set in; this is the cause of the burning, tingling, and shooting pains, as well as the loss of sensation on the feet over time.

Second, any wounds on the feet will have difficulty healing because there is a loss of circulation — and when left untreated, infections can quickly progress into more serious health risks.

Paying regular visits to a trusted podiatrist can help diabetics take better care of their feet and avoid potential risks to their health.

Here are some tips for keeping a diabetic’s feet healthy:

• If you have a habit of walking barefoot, you need to stop. This will only put your feet at risk of getting nicks and cuts that may start small, but can quickly worsen.
• Wear comfortable shoes. They should fit well and put no pressure on your feet. If you have new pairs, make sure to break them in slowly and examine your feet after about 15 minutes for any problem areas.
• Inspect the feet on a daily basis. See your podiatrist immediately if you notice any swelling, blistering, redness, pain, or drainage.
• Some common foot care remedies are not ideal for a diabetic patient. Avoid using heating pads or water bottles on your feet, and do not soak it in water, regardless of whether it is hot or cold.
• Do not use any sharp instruments on your feet. You can have your toenails trimmed or issues like calluses and corns addressed at the podiatrist’s clinic.

So, What’s Your Next Step?

Call our office now at 301-937-5666 or click here to schedule your appointment. Don’t wait until it’s too late, early detection is key to getting back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Call today to guarantee the most convenient appointment time, as our schedule fills up very quickly.