The effects of diabetes are profound, especially concerning your feet. Circulatory, nervous, and immune system problems can cause diabetic ulcers and other serious concerns. Proper diabetic foot care can help prevent complications from diabetes. The podiatrists at Family Foot And Ankle Associates of Maryland provide a full range of podiatry services, including diabetic foot care. They have several convenient office locations in Silver Spring, Kensington, Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD.

What You Need To Know About Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects your feet in several ways, causing complications that can limit your ability to walk, stand, and be active. Consider these ways diabetes affects your feet:

Diabetes impairs the nervous system, which can cause you to lose sensation in your feet. You may not even feel a foot injury when it happens. Diabetes can also lead to diabetic neuropathy, a painful condition causing sharp, stabbing pain in your feet.

Diabetes reduces the immune system's effectiveness, leading to delayed or incomplete healing. For example, a small cut or blister may become infected and turn into a painful ulcerative wound.

Diabetes reduces blood flow, which can lead to soft tissue death. When tissue dies, amputation of toes and feet may be the result.

Proper diabetic foot care can help prevent complications from diabetes. You need to take care of your feet every day by following these simple steps:

• Do foot and toe exercises to boost circulation
• Examine your feet and toes daily for any injuries, cuts, or blisters
• Wash, dry, and moisturize your feet and toes daily to keep your skin from drying out
• Apply antiseptic and bandage any open sores or cuts to prevent infection
• Always wear comfortable shoes and avoid going barefoot to prevent injuries to your feet

Visit your podiatrist regularly for a professional foot examination. Your podiatrist can also provide helpful education and advice on caring for your feet when you have diabetes.

Want To Know More About Diabetic Foot Care?

To learn more about how diabetic foot care prevents complications, talk with the experts. Call the podiatrists at Family Foot And Ankle Associates of Maryland. You can reach them at:

• Silver Spring, MD, by calling (301) 439-0300
• Kensington, MD, by calling (301) 942-8110
• Camp Springs/Clinton, MD, by calling (301) 868-7670
• Laurel, MD, by calling (301) 317-6800
• Maple Lawn, MD, by calling (301) 317-6800

Call today.