Tips for Supporting Your Foot Health When You Have Diabetes

When people have a blood sugar disorder like diabetes, they usually focus on their glucose levels. However, this condition can also pose serious risks to your feet.

Diabetes may seem like just a blood sugar issue. However, over time, high blood sugar can negatively impact circulation in your feet and legs. It can also cause nerve damage.

Unfortunately, these complications can increase your risks of several feet, ankle, and lower leg issues, such as:

• Numbness or tingling
• Pain
• Decreased or inability to feel heat, cold, or pain
• Poor healing 
• Increased risk of infection and amputation

Fortunately, you can protect your foot health when you have diabetes.

Dr. Hai-En Peng at Align Foot & Ankle Center offers diabetic foot care services in Camarillo, California, to prevent, diagnose, and treat diabetes-related complications. 

Do you have diabetes? In this blog, Dr. Peng shares five tips for supporting your foot health.

1. Check your feet daily

First, the easiest way to protect your feet involves checking them daily. This ensures you spot potential issues as early as possible so you can see an expert before they worsen.

For the best results, Dr. Peng recommends checking for:

• Changes to your toenails or skin, including calluses, sores, cuts, blisters, and ingrown toenails
• Fluid or pus discharge or frequent bleeding
• Swelling or discoloration
• A foul odor

If you notice any of these issues, schedule an appointment right away.

2. Practice good foot hygiene

In addition to keeping a close eye on your tootsies, it’s crucial to practice excellent hygiene.

To start, always trim your toenails straight across — not rounded at the edges. This may seem purely cosmetic. However, those curved edges increase your chances of ingrown toenails.

If you have trouble trimming your toenails, Dr. Peng can help.

Along with keeping your toenails trimmed, Dr. Peng suggests washing your feet daily in warm water. Then, dry them thoroughly. Pay special attention to the skin between your toes.

Once completed, apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet — never between the toes.

Finally, don’t soak your feet, walk barefoot, or try to remove seemingly minor issues yourself, such as corns, calluses, or warts.

3. Choose the proper footwear

Many people don’t give their footwear choices much thought. While that may not cause serious issues most of the time, it can lead to trouble if they have a condition like diabetes.

Dr. Peng offers personal guidance on the best shoes and socks on a case-by-case basis. However, when you have diabetes, opt for socks that don’t fit too tightly and shoes designed to prevent sores and wounds.

In some cases, therapeutic shoes or custom-made orthotics offer the best results. However, no matter which shoes you wear, it’s vital to check them for objects, like rocks or stones, before putting them on.

4. Pamper your toes

Since diabetes can impact your sensitivity and circulation, take extra steps to protect your feet and toes.

For instance, if you spend time in the sun with your feet exposed, apply sunscreen to the exposed skin to avoid sunburn.

Similarly, keep your feet away from other potential burn sources, like open fires and heaters.

When colder temperatures set in, add extra protection with insulated shoes and socks to keep them warm.

And, when choosing physical activities, opt for things that are gentle on the feet, like walking, swimming, and bicycling.

5. Work with an expert

It’s critical to work with an expert like Dr. Peng when you have a condition like diabetes that puts your feet at risk.

During these visits, Dr. Peng performs a professional examination of your feet, ankles, and lower legs to minimize problems before they arise.

Remember, don’t wait to schedule an appointment if you notice any changes in your feet—that includes things that seem small and unimportant.

When you have diabetes, seemingly minor issues can quickly progress and become serious and even life- or limb-threatening.

Do you have diabetes? Contact Align Foot & Ankle Center today to learn more about our diabetic foot care services in Camarillo, California.