Find out why you should never neglect your foot health if you have diabetes.
Those with diabetes are more likely to deal with foot complications that could be serious enough to need amputation. In fact, both foot 
ulcers and amputations are major reasons for disability in those with diabetes. But being able to detect certain risk factors early on can help prevent issues from arising, as well as visiting your Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton and Kensington podiatrists Dr. Christopher Farnworth, Dr. Michael Frank and Dr. Marc Goldberg if you are experiencing any new or disconcerting symptoms.
Here are some of the risk factors more often associated with an increased risk of amputation:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Bone deformities
- Peripheral vascular disease
- A history of amputation or ulcers
- Severe nail infections
Whether you think you suffer from one, several or no risk factors if you have diabetes you’ll still need to get an annual foot examination from your foot doctors serving Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton and Kensington to determine your risk level. We will assess your foot’s structure, sensations, skin health and biomechanics. But remember that you should also be performing daily foot exams so that you can detect any changes or symptoms as soon as possible.
Besides performing thorough foot exams each day you’ll also want to consider these variables for keeping your feet healthy:
- Make sure to wash and thoroughly dry your feet every day.
- Wear shoes that provide support and cushioning and give your toes room to move. Stay away from shoes that are too tight or shoes with high heels.
- Always wear socks and shoes even when indoors. Particularly if you have a lack of sensation in your feet, wearing footwear can protect your feet from injury.
- If you notice any ulcers, wounds, corns, calluses, swelling, redness or changes in the color of your feet then it’s time to see us.
- If you are at a higher-risk for amputation you may want to come in more frequently for foot exams.
If you are dealing with any kind of foot problems and you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes it’s always best to be safe rather than sorry and turn to our Olney, Silver Spring, Clinton and Kensington, MD podiatric offices for care. Let Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland help you maintain healthy feet for life.