I am a diabetic. How can I prevent foot problems?

A:

As Wayne, NJ podiatrists who often work with diabetic patients, we know that prevention is key. The best strategy is to stop foot problems before they start. For you, a small cut, blister or sore can quickly become infected, leading to serious foot issues.

The best way to prevent foot problems is to establish a foot care routine. Some steps that our Wayne, NJ foot doctors recommend for your daily foot care regimen include:

• Wash feet in warm water. Never soak your feet.
• Thoroughly dry feet after washing, especially between the toes. 
• Inspect each foot and check for cuts, blisters, sores, redness or cracks (use a mirror to check the bottom of your feet if you need to).
• Apply lotion to the feet but not between the toes.
• Gently file nails, corns or calluses after washing feet.
• Always wear comfortable slippers or shoes to protect the feet from injury.

This foot care protocol is just as important as a proper diet and diabetes medication. You would not let a day go by without taking your medication, so you should not skip your foot care either. Following the three steps of diet, medication, and foot hygiene is your best defense against foot complications.

One More Step

One last step that we must mention is getting regular medical care not just for your diabetes, but for your feet as well. As Wayne, NJ diabetic foot experts, we have seen how crucial it is for diabetics to be seen several times a year by their podiatrist. Doing so will allow your podiatrist to keep a record of the health of your feet, addressing any issues before they become serious. 

To make an appointment with a podiatrist who cares not just for your feet, but for you, call 973.595.8900 today. The health of your feet is in your hands.