3 Easy Foot Care Tips By Podiatrists For Diabetic Patients

Foot Clinic

If you think that the only responsibility of a diabetic patient is to control their blood sugar levels, this is not the case. Not everyone is aware of the fact that diabetics can have a devastating effect on your body, including your feet. If you want to keep it protected and reduce the risk of an infection, get in touch with an experienced podiatrist. They will assess the condition of your feet and share a few easy foot care tips to avoid any complication. They will also let you know whether the foot care products available in the market will irritate your skin or increase the risk of infection.

Few Foot Care Tips For Diabetic Patients

  • Inspect Your Feet Everyday

Take a closer look at your feet and check whether there is any crack, wound or sore. If you can’t see your feet clearly, place a mirror below your feet or ask your friend to do a visual inspection and inform you if they notice a sore or cracks. Nerve damage is very common among diabetic patients which can lead to cracks and sores in your feet. If you ever notice that the skin has become cracked or dry or there is a change in its colour, it’s time to visit a podiatrist.

  • Don’t Test Water Temperature With Your Feet

If you have the tendency to check whether the bath water is too hot or cold using your feet. Neuropathy or nerve damage might make your feet less sensitive to temperature. You might not even realise that the hot water is scalding your skin before it’s too late. Severe damages in your feet like burns and blisters can even increase the risk of a foot infection. If you want to check the water temperature in the bathtub or shower, use your elbow and not your feet.

  • Avoid Staying Barefoot

Every trained podiatrist will advice diabetic patients to avoid walking barefoot, irrespective of whether they are walking inside or outside their home. Choose shoes which will cover your feet completely and reduce the chances of penetration by splinters, small cuts or scrapes. Neuropathy makes diabetic patients incapable of noticing these damages until they become infected.

These being said, it’s time every diabetic patient starts following the tips stated above and visit a podiatrist at fixed intervals.

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