With Help From Our Brooksville Podiatrist, Your Diabetic Foot Care Is Easier—Here’s Why
Maintaining your health from head to toe is essential when you’re managing diabetes. Whether you want pain-free days at work or to enjoy strolling through Tom Varn Park with your family, having control over your mobility makes life better. At Chapel Podiatry, we're committed to keeping your feet healthy and strong. We’ll work with you to develop a plan for proactive diabetic foot care that can be your foundation for continued ease of movement and reduced complications.
The Role of a Podiatrist in Diabetic Foot Health
You probably have a strong relationship with your primary care provider. However, while they provide an overview of how to manage diabetes effectively, they can’t always address how the disease affects you in other ways.
MedlinePlus indicates that foot problems are common with your condition. “They can happen over time when high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. The nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet.”
So, for patients with diabetes, regular check-ups with a podiatrist are critical. These visits allow for early detection of potential nail and skin issues and help prevent more serious complications such as neuropathy, ulcers, or infections. At Chapel Podiatry, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your foot health. We perform comprehensive foot exams, including neurological and vascular tests, to evaluate sensation and blood flow. This thorough approach helps our team easily identify risk factors and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
7 Diabetic Foot Care Tips From Your Brooksville Podiatrist
Education is a key component of our diabetic foot care services. We’ll teach you proper inspection and hygiene techniques and share other cost-effective options to help you stay healthy. Knowing exactly what to do empowers you to take an active role in maintaining your foot health between regular examinations.
Try these tips to help foot health and encourage better mobility:
- Do daily foot inspections. Check every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. If necessary, use a mirror to view the bottoms of your feet.
- Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet every day with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry thoroughly, especially between your toes, to prevent fungal infections.
- Moisturize your feet. Apply a thin coat of lotion on the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between your toes. This helps prevent dry, cracked skin that can lead to infections.
- Trim your nails carefully. Cut your toenails straight across, then file the tips. If you have difficulty reaching your feet, schedule regular appointments with our podiatry practice for professional nail care.
- Wear diabetes-friendly footwear. Choose shoes that fit well and provide ample support. The American Diabetes Association has a guide that explains the right footwear for your needs. Also, avoid going barefoot, even indoors, to protect your feet from injury.
- Manage your blood sugar. Keeping your blood glucose levels under control is crucial for overall foot health. Work with your health care team to maintain optimal levels.
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity improves circulation and can help regulate blood sugar levels. However, always wear appropriate footwear during exercise and inspect your feet afterward. Remove sweaty socks and dry your feet well.
When to Seek Professional Diabetic Foot Care in Brooksville
Remember: proactive care prevents complications. Chapel Podiatry offers affordable, personalized care without the wait, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you notice:
- Changes in skin color, temperature, or swelling in one or both feet
- Pain in your legs or feet, even when resting
- Ingrown toenails, blisters, sores, ulcers, or corns
- Cracks in your skin, especially around the heel
- Any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or drainage
We believe in a collaborative approach to diabetic foot care. Dr. Charles Chapel and our team work closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure comprehensive management of your diabetes and foot health. We're committed to helping you maintain an active, healthy lifestyle by providing support you can trust.