Quick Tips for Your Diabetic Feet!

Foot problems increase if you suffer from diabetes. Diabetics must constantly monitor their feet or face severe consequences, including amputation. Here's some basic advice for taking care of your feet:

• Always keep your feet warm.
• Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain.
• Don't smoke or sit cross-legged. Both decrease blood supply to your feet.
• Don't soak your feet.
• Don't use antiseptic solutions, drug store medications, or sharp instruments on your feet.
• Trim your toenails straight across. Avoid cutting the corners. Use a nail file or emery board. If you find an ingrown toenail, contact our office.
• Use quality lotion to keep the skin of your feet soft and moist, but don't put any lotion between your toes.
• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and warm water.
• Wear loose socks to bed.
• Try to wear seamless socks to avoid seems rubbing your feet.
• When drying your feet, pat each foot with a towel.
• Buy shoes that are comfortable without a "breaking in" period.
• Do not go barefoot.
• Check your feet daily for any cuts, bruises, wounds, or other injuries.

Community Foot Specialists - Podiatrists/Foot & Ankle Surgeons Serving Dayton and Springfield, Ohio Call today to schedule your appointment! (937) 426-9500

Question of the Month: I'm a diabetic, do I need diabetic shoes?

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Question of the Month!

By: Dr. Thomas

Q: "I'm a diabetic, do I need diabetic shoes?"

A: That depends. Diabetics who are well controlled with their blood sugar, do not have toe deformities such as bunions or hammertoes, intact circulation to their feet as well as intact sensation or feeling in their feet, are at low risk and do not need diabetic shoes. Diabetic shoes are considered to be a necessity for those diabetics who have an at risk foot or a foot that could be in danger of developing a wound in an otherwise normal everyday shoe. These shoes are designed with extra depth to accommodate the foam inserts which are used to reduce chances of a foot ulcer on the bottom of the foot. Some patients may be interested in these shoes for the simple fact they believe they can get free shoes and the insurance will sometimes "pay for them". This is not the purpose of diabetic shoes. To determine if the diabetic patient is eligible for shoes, the podiatric doctor will perform a comprehensive diabetic foot exam first to check to see if the feet are at high risk for developing problems such as ulcerations. If the need is determined, then your doctor will do all steps necessary to see that the patient gets those shoes and that they are fit correctly.

Diabetic Foot Care Guidelines

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• Inspect your feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a magnifying hand mirror to look at the bottom of your feet. Call your Community Foot Specialist in Springfield and Dayton at 937-426-9500 if you notice anything
• Wash your feet in lukewarm (not hot!) water. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily. But only use lukewarm water—the temperature you’d use on a newborn baby.
• Be gentle when bathing your feet. Wash them using a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting—and make sure to carefully dry between the toes.
• Moisturize your feet—but not between your toes. Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But DON’T moisturize between the toes—this could encourage a fungal infection.
• Cut nails carefully—and straight across. Also, file the edges. Don’t cut them too short, since this could lead to ingrown toe nails.
• Never trim corns or calluses. No “bathroom surgery”—let your doctor do the job.
• Wear clean, dry socks. Change them daily.
• Avoid the wrong type of socks. Avoid tight elastic bands (they reduce circulation). Don’t wear thick or bulky socks (they can fit poorly and irritate the skin).
• Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold at night, wear socks. NEVER use a heating pad or hot water bottle.
• Shake out your shoes and inspect the inside before wearing. Remember, you may not feel a pebble—so always shake out your shoes before putting them on.
• Keep your feet warm and dry. Don’t get your feet wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
• Never walk barefoot. Not even at home! You could step on something and get a scratch or cut.
• Take care of your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow in your feet.
• Get periodic foot exams. See your podiatric foot and ankle surgeon at Community Foot Specialists in Dayton and surrounding areas on a regular basis for an examination to help prevent the foot complications of diabetes. Call us today if you have any questions, 937-426-9500

Check out one of our podiatrists, Dr. Thomas at Community Foot Specialists talking more about diabetes and your feet!

Did you know we have a book on diabetes and how it affects your feet? Get your FREE copy today by clicking here. From your friends at the Community Foot Specialists!