Taking care of your feet is important for anyone, but for those diagnosed with diabetes it is even more important. Having a regular podiatry visit, at least once a year and ideally every six months, can help identify and prevent any of the common issues associated with foot care and this disease.
While a general physician or your primary care doctor can be very helpful as well, a specialized foot doctor, trained in podiatry, will be critical in detecting even the early signs of diabetic foot problems. In addition, the podiatrist can provide general health information and even alert you to potential additional health conditions just by examining your feet.
Basic Care
One of the most important things you will learn at your podiatry appointment is what you may need to do differently for your basic foot care. Once diagnosed with diabetes, extra attention needs to be focused on your feet, as even minor issues such as dry, cracked heels or ingrown toenails can become major problems.
Basic care will also include maintaining good foot hygiene. For instance, learning how to correctly clean and dry your feet and the importance of using a good moisturizer to keep skin hydrated, as well as how to treat minor issues before infection or other complications occur.
Another very important issue will be to keep your feet protected in cold weather and to avoid exposing your feet to hot temperatures, particularly hot water when bathing or showering. For people with diabetes and neuropathy, this is an essential consideration that can be addressed at your podiatry appointment.
Specialized Shoes
At your podiatry session, you should also talk to the foot doctor about your shoes. It is important for those with diabetes to wear shoes that provide a high level of support, while also allowing air to circulate in and around the foot. This helps to reduce moisture build up and also assists in preventing fungal growth that can turn into a big problem.
Incorrect shoes can also cause of blisters, ingrown nails and calluses, so ensuring your shoes are fitting correctly is a key part of diabetic foot care. Your podiatrist may recommend specialized orthotics to help protect your feet, and these custom-made or prescription products are typically covered by your health insurance.
If you have diabetes, podiatry will be an important part of your overall diabetes treatment. If your primary care physician doesn’t make a referral, don’t wait. Plan to see a foot specialist at least once a year, or as needed based on any possible concerns about your feet.
Suburban Orthopaedics offers podiatry for people with diabetes or those experiencing problems of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. To learn more see us online at www.suburbanortho.com. You can also connect with them on Facebook for more updates!
