While diabetes is an endocrine disorder in the pancreas, your whole body is affected by the resistance to insulin. If you are experiencing symptoms in your feet and are diabetic, the staff at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland can assist you. We have convenient locations in Kensington, Olney, Silver Spring, and the Camp Springs/Clinton area.
Taking care of your feet is crucial, and it becomes tantamount when you have diabetes. Your feet carry your body each day, so you need them to be happy and healthy.
What are some of the ways that you can take care of your feet while you have diabetes? Each day it is critical to:
- Inspect your feet for any swelling or discoloration. These are telltale signs that the circulation in your feet may not be the best.
- Wear dry shoes and socks. People with diabetes tend to have more sensitive skin and therefore are more susceptible to infections of the foot.
- Be gentle with your feet. Try to avoid intense scrubbing, cutting of corns, or pulling hangnails. Something that seems innocuous now can lead to infection later if done too harshly.
- Maintain your foot circulation. Exercise, massage, and elevating your feet while you sit are great ways to get your circulation going. Feet with sufficient circulation will retain sensation better, which means you will know if you’ve gotten cuts, sores, or bruises in a more timely fashion.
- Protect your feet from extreme temperatures. Diabetes can sometimes lead to nerve damage, so you may need to take extra precautions walking through snow or hot sand.
Call us today for a consultation, and we hope to see you soon! We offer our combined expertise on diabetic patients at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland in Kensington (301) 942-8110, Olney (301) 924-5044, Silver Spring 301-439-0300, and Camp Springs/Clinton (301) 868-7670.