Diabetic Foot Care in Ashland, KY
How Diabetes Affects You and Your Feet
Diabetes is a serious disease, affecting your major body systems, including your circulatory, nervous, and immune systems. Extremities, including your feet, can be dramatically affected. You may experience:
- Loss of sensation in your feet due to nerve impairment
- Peripheral neuropathy in your feet due to nerve damage
- Delayed healing, due to immune system impairment
- Lack of blood flow due to circulatory system impairment
Diabetic Foot Care You Should Do at Home
Daily care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes. Follow these steps every day to help keep your feet healthy:
- Stretch and exercise your ankles, feet, and toes to boost circulation
- Wash and dry your feet to limit bacteria
- Apply moisturizer to your feet and ankles to keep your skin from cracking
- Check your feet for cuts and blisters
- Apply antibiotic cream and bandages to any open sores, cuts, or blisters
- Wear breathable socks and comfortable shoes to protect your feet and toes from damage
- Avoid going barefoot to prevent injuries to your feet and toes
How a Podiatrist Can Help with Diabetic Foot Care
Visiting a podiatrist regularly is essential when you have diabetes. Regular monitoring of the health of your feet can help identify the effects of diabetes so they can be treated early. During your appointment, your podiatrist will:
- Examine your feet and toes, identifying any injuries
- Evaluate the blood flow to your feet and toes
- Test the nerve function in your feet and toes
- Treat open sores or diabetic foot ulcers with antibiotics and other methods
- Recommend orthotics, wound care, and assistive devices to help relieve foot stress and pressure so you can stay on your feet.