How your podiatrists in Silver Spring, Olney, Camp Springs, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, can help your feet if you are diabetic
If you are diabetic, you probably already know how damaging diabetes can be. It’s especially damaging to your feet. Fortunately, your podiatrist can help protect your feet from suffering permanent damage due to diabetes.
The podiatrists at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland provide comprehensive foot care services, including diabetic foot care. They have several convenient office locations in Silver Spring, Olney, Camp Springs, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, to help you and your feet stay healthy.
Diabetes has far-reaching effects. Consider that diabetes affects:
Your immune system: injuries are slow to heal, which means a small blister can turn into a painful diabetic ulcer.
Your circulatory system: blood flow is decreased, which can eventually cause soft tissue death, increasing the potential of amputation of toes and feet.
Your nervous system: you can injure your feet and not feel it, or you can suffer the stabbing pain of diabetic neuropathy.
One of the most important ways you can prevent injury is to protect your feet by avoiding going barefoot and always wearing appropriate, supportive footwear. You also need to:
- Examine your feet every day for any cuts, sores, blisters, or bruises
- Wash and dry your feet every day and apply moisturizing lotion or cream
- Keep toenails short, and cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails
- Stretch your ankles, feet, and toes daily to boost circulation
You should also visit your podiatrist regularly for a foot examination. Your podiatrist can identify problems while they are small and easily treatable. Early diagnosis of diabetes-related problems is critical to safeguard the health of your feet.
To learn more about the importance of diabetic foot care and how your podiatrist can help you and your feet stay healthy, call the podiatrists at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland. You can reach them in any of their offices in Silver Spring, Olney, Camp Springs, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, by calling (301) 924-5044, so call today!