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The Importance of Diabetic Foot Care

How your podiatrist can help your feet when you have diabetes

Diabetes can have harmful effects all over your body. The disease can affect your immune, circulatory, and nervous systems. Your extremities, including your feet, are especially susceptible. Fortunately, your podiatrist knows what to do to help you enjoy healthy feet, even when you have diabetes.

Dr. Charles Chapel at Chapel Podiatry in Brooksville, FL, and serving the Homosassa, Hudson, and Spring Hill, FL areas, provides a wide range of foot and ankle services, including diabetic foot care.

Diabetes can have harmful effects on your feet and toes. Some of these effects include:

Delayed healing or failure to heal–if you have blisters or sores, they can develop into painful diabetic ulcers, which can cause pain when you walk.

Decreased nerve sensation and feeling–if you cut or burn your feet, you may not feel it.

Diabetic neuropathy–you may feel sharp, stabbing pain in your feet.

Decreased blood flow–when you don’t have sufficient blood flow, tissue can die, leading to amputations of feet and toes.

To take adequate care of your feet when you are at home, it’s important to:

  • Thoroughly wash your feet with mild soap and lukewarm water
  • Dry your feet and toes completely after cleansing
  • Apply thick moisturizing cream to your feet and toes every day to keep your skin from drying and cracking
  • Check your feet and toes for cuts, blisters, or sores
  • Apply antibiotic cream and bandages to any open wounds
  • Stretch your arches, toes and ankles every day to keep them flexible and boost your circulation
  • Wear protective shoes and avoid going barefoot
  • Wear the appropriate shoes for the sport or activity you are doing

Make sure to visit your podiatrist at least once each year for a complete foot, ankle, and toe examination to check for any injuries. Your podiatrist will also check your circulation and nerve sensation to help keep your feet, ankles, and toes healthy.

To find out more about the importance of diabetic foot care, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Charles Chapel at Chapel Podiatry in Brooksville, FL, and serving the Homosassa, Hudson, and Spring Hill, FL areas. You can reach him in the office by calling (352) 684-1444, so call now.

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