How to Care For Your Feet After A Diabetes Diagnosis

Centennial Foot & Ankle helps patients manage their foot care after a diabetes diagnosis. Dr. David Biesinger is here for you in North Las Vegas, NV, if you are concerned about the health of your feet.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you've probably been told foot care will be important for you, but why? Because high blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage. The loss of sensation means diabetics are less aware of potential cuts or other wounds on extremities like feet, which are prone to infection. Diabetics also tend to have decreased circulation in the extremities which can mean problems for healing when there is a wound.

Caring for your feet might be something you didn't give much thought to before a diabetes diagnosis, but there are some simple actions you can make part of your daily routine that can make all the difference when it comes to preventing wounds and infections:

• Daily checks of the feet for any wounds or signs of infection
• Wash the feet with mild soap and water daily and thoroughly dry them
• Moisturize the feet daily to prevent skin cracks on the heels
• Keep your feet clean and dry and wear clean socks every day
• Alternate your footwear if you can to give each pair a chance to completely dry out
• Cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails, which can become infected easily
• To avoid injury, don't go barefoot and choose comfortable, supportive footwear
• See your podiatrist if you get corns or calluses
• See your podiatrist at least once a year for your feet to have a checkup
  
  

Your foot care becomes important after a diabetes diagnosis as a preventative measure. Your sensation in your feet will be decreased so it's up to you to stay vigilant for any wounds on your feet that could easily become infected.

Diabetic foot care is important to prevent infections and keep you on your feet! Centennial Foot & Ankle and Dr. David Biesinger can help you manage your foot care. Contact us for an appointment in North Las Vegas, NV, at (702) 852-2402.