What your podiatrists in Olney, Kensington, Silver Spring and Clinton, MD want you to know.
If you or someone you know has diabetes, it can dramatically affect your life. Diabetes’ effects are far reaching and include many of your 
body systems including your immune, circulatory and nervous systems. Diabetes is also a very common disease, affecting over 29 million people in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. One of the most life-impacting issues with diabetes is what it can do to your feet. Your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Kensington, Silver Spring and Clinton, MD want to help you protect your feet.
When your immune system is compromised from diabetes, you may not be able to fight off infection, which can cause a small cut or blister to turn into a severe foot problem or diabetic ulcer.
When your circulatory system is not functioning properly from diabetes, impaired blood flow to your feet is the result. This impaired blood flow can result in amputations of your toes.
When your nervous system is impaired from diabetes, you may not have adequate feeling in your feet, which means if you damage your feet, you may not even know it. Diabetic neuropathy is a common condition associated with nervous system impairment, and it can cause severe pain and difficulty walking.
Your podiatrists in Olney, Kensington, Silver Spring and Clinton, MD want to share some advice to help you take care of your diabetic feet. Remember to:
- Stay out of very hot water, don’t use electric blankets or heating pads because you can develop burns on your feet and not feel any pain.
- Wear socks and comfortable shoes and don’t go barefoot.
- Check your feet every day, including using a hand mirror to see all the sides and the soles of your feet; check for any blisters, cuts or bruises.
- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day to prevent infection; apply lotion to keep your skin from drying out.
- Always trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Exercise your toes, feet and ankles several times daily to improve your circulation.
Remember to visit your podiatrists regularly. They can help you keep your feet in great shape. Your feet carry you through your life, so don’t neglect them. Call your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland in Olney, Kensington, Silver Spring and Clinton, MD. They can help you protect your feet so call today!