If you have diabetes, find out why you should be giving your feet a little extra attention.
Those with type 2 diabetes don’t often notice symptoms right away: the unusual thirst, the unexpected weight loss, blurry vision, or 
bruises that are slow to heal. Unfortunately, not everyone with diabetes experiences symptoms, which can often make people think that diabetes is not as serious as it actually is. Advice from your Olney, Silver Spring, Kensington and Clinton, MD, podiatrists, is you should pay extra attention to your foot health if you have diabetes.
As your doctor may have already told you, those with diabetes are more susceptible to poor circulation and nerve damage, particularly in the extremities. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the feet, which can cause you to lose feeling. Also, those with nerve damage and poor circulation are more prone to infection. Even the smallest foot issues can turn into more serious ones if you have diabetes.
How do you protect your diabetic feet?
While it might not sound like the most fun job, our Olney, Silver Spring, Kensington and Clinton foot doctors believe that thoroughly examining your feet every day will help you detect problems early on when they aren’t serious. Even cuts, sores and bruises should be checked out and treated by a professional. If you aren’t able to examine your feet properly on your own, you can use a hand mirror or ask a family member to help.
You also want to make sure you are washing your feet every day. This doesn’t mean that you stand in the shower and expect your feet to get clean just by letting the water run over you. You actually need to use soap and water and gently clean your feet. Make sure to always thoroughly pat your skin dry before applying a moisturizer to prevent dryness or cracking.
Exercising is also an important component to leading a healthier lifestyle and we certainly advise those with diabetes to get out and enjoy a little physical activity every day. But keep in mind that you should have appropriate and supportive shoes to do this. Also, if you have any open wounds or sores on your feet, it’s best to avoid exercise until your feet have fully healed.
It’s important that you get regular professional foot care, particularly if you have diabetes. Whether you are experiencing symptoms or just need a thorough examination to make sure your feet are healthy, our Olney, Silver Spring, Kensington and Clinton, MD, foot specialists at Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland are here to help.