If you have diabetes, you may already know about the effects on your body, especially your extremities. What you may not know is that diabetes is especially hard on your feet, which is why it’s important to visit your podiatrist regularly.
Your feet carry you through your life, but they are easy to overlook. When you are diabetic, you can’t afford to ignore your feet and toes. These are just a few of the ways diabetes can affect your feet and toes:
Diabetes affects your immune system which can lead to delayed healing time. That means if you have a small cut, it may not heal. It may turn into a painful diabetic ulcer.
Diabetes affects your circulatory system which can lead to impaired blood flow in your feet and toes. That means your tissue can die, which can lead to amputations.
Diabetes affects your nervous system, which can lead to painful diabetic neuropathy. You may also lose sensation in your feet, so if you have an injury, you might not feel it.
It's vital to take special care of your feet when you have diabetes. You should:
- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day
- Check your feet regularly for any cuts, blisters, or injuries
- Use a hand mirror to examine the soles of your feet for injuries
- Apply a thick moisturizing cream to keep your skin free of cracks
- Apply an antibiotic cream to any open sores or injuries
- Place a bandage on open sores or injuries
- Do ankle, foot, and toe stretches daily to boost circulation
Diabetes is a common medical problem. In fact, it’s estimated that at least 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. If you are one of them, you need to take special care of your feet and your body. To find out more about caring for your feet when you are diabetic, talk with an expert. Call your podiatrist today.