Diabetes is a very serious and growing public health concern. It affects your body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively. It affects tens of millions of people in the U.S alone. Many people do not realize the severity of this disease and how serious its complications can be. Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S as per the National Diabetes Statistics Report (2017).

If you have diabetes, your foot care becomes even more important. Diabetes can reduce blood flow to the feet, making it difficult to resist infections or heal an injury. Proper foot care and timely treatment can help avoid major complications such as amputation.

To avoid any major diabetic foot problems, follow these five preventive measures:

1. Self-exam- Take a good look at your feet every day for anything unusual such as blisters, cuts, swelling or infections. You can use a magnifying mirror if necessary to inspect the bottom of your feet. Also, massage your feet as this helps with circulation.
2. Balanced diet- Maintaining a balanced diet helps in preventing various disorders including foot problems. The body requires proper nutrition in order to work effectively. A good diet helps maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Weight control can drastically reduce the stress levels on the feet.
3. Foot hygiene- Maintaining good foot hygiene is of utmost importance. Your feet are prone to bacteria and infections. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily with soap and warm water.  Dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes. This helps to prevent fungal infections from settling in. Once dried, apply a moisturizer to keep the skin from cracking. Avoid moisturizer between the toes as it may encourage infection.
4. Clip toenails carefully- The proper way to trim your toenails is by cutting them straight across. Do not cut them too short to avoid ingrown toenails.
5. Proper footwear- Pay special attention to your diabetic foot in terms of what you wear. For patients with diabetes, proper footwear is key to avoid numerous complications. Wear fitted shoes which also provide sufficient padding and cushioning to reduce friction and stress on your feet. Wear shoes that are roomy from the front to avoid toes from overlapping or getting squeezed together.

If you want to know more about diabetic foot care and foot health, call Joseph Stuto, DPM of Brooklyn, New York. There Dr. Joseph A. Stuto and Dr. Joseph C. Stuto can help you treat your diabetic foot. Call (718) 624-7537 and make an appointment today.