Diabetics must pay close attention to their feet and ankles. Unfortunately, diabetes compromises peripheral circulation and damages the nerves in the lower extremities, reducing sensation and function. Diabetes also increases the chance of infection and drastically slows wound healing. At Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland, Dr. Michael Frank, Dr. Adam Lowy, and Dr. Marc Goldberg promote proper diabetic foot care at home and offer the finest in-office diagnoses and treatments in the Camp Springs/Clinton area.
Diabetes and your feet
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 100 million Americans have diabetes or pre-diabetes. This condition affects blood glucose levels and increases the chances of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and a host of other serious health conditions.
As high blood sugars diminish micro-circulation in the feet, cause tingling, reduce sensations (neuropathy), and lower the immune system, diabetics have special foot care needs. At Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland, Clinton podiatrists promote a sensible, ordered care plan to keep diabetics free of:
- Infection
- Wounds
- Deformities
- Immobility
- Pain
- Impaired sensation and functionality
- Limb loss
In addition, they ask their patients to have routine diabetic foot checks at the office. Professional vigilance catches problems the patient may not perceive and starts treatment as soon as possible to keep them from progressing.
An at-home care plan
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends these straightforward ways to help diabetics to keep their feet healthy. They include:
- Daily inspection of the feet for bruising, redness, cuts, or sores
- Daily washing of feet with warm water and mild soap
- Moisturizing to reduce dryness and cracking
- Clipping toenails straight across with clean clippers (to avoid infection and ingrown toenails)
- Smoking cessation (tobacco compromises micro-circulation)
- Wearing supportive footwear (even indoors)
- Changing socks daily or whenever they are sweaty
- Alternating pairs of shoes
- Getting regular podiatric examinations
- Controlling blood sugar levels
- Reporting any problems or concerns to your foot doctor right away
- Never removing corns or calluses at home
- Daily exercise (simple walking or swimming works well)
Healthy feet for all
Whether you have diabetes or no serious systemic health issue, get routine podiatric examinations at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland. We have 4 offices to serve you in Olney, Camp Springs/Clinton, Kensington and Silver Spring, MD.