Proper foot care is particularly important if you have diabetes or nerve damage in your feet.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, getting regular foot care and checkups from our Pismo Beach, CA, foot & ankle specialists Dr. Steve Clark, Dr. Brian O’Carroll and Dr. Byron Collier will go a long way to preventing serious but common foot problems. Since diabetes puts you at risk for foot ulcers, nerve damage and amputation, it’s particularly important that you know how to properly care for your feet. Here are some ways to reduce your risk for diabetic foot complications,
Get Blood Sugar Under Control
Instead of just treating the symptoms of diabetes it’s best to treat the underlying problem. This means, making sure that you are seeing the appropriate doctor and getting the proper medication to manage your blood sugar. You will also need to monitor your blood sugar every day to make sure that your medication is working effectively. By keeping your blood sugar in check, you can prevent health complications.
Check Your Feet Daily
It’s important that anyone with diabetes thoroughly examines their feet every day to look for potential problems. Even something as minor as redness or swelling could lead to more serious problems. Check the heel, soles, tops and sides of your feet, as well as between toes. If necessarily, you can also use a hand mirror to help you check for ingrown toenails, calluses, corns, open wounds, cuts, discolorations and ulcers. If you notice any changes in your feet you should speak with our foot specialist here in Pismo Beach and Santa Maria, CA, right away to find out how to treat it.
Always Wear Shoes and Socks
One way to prevent injury is to make sure that you are always wearing shoes and socks, even if you are indoors. Going barefoot could lead to cuts, injuries and burns. It’s important that you wear supportive, protective and properly fitted shoes. Our podiatrists can provide recommendations to help you find the right diabetic or specialized shoes.
Don’t Treat Problems on Your Own
Since diabetic foot problems can lead to serious infections and other complications it’s important that you turn to your foot doctor right away, even when minor problems occur. Give us an immediate call if you notice,
- Swelling
- Discoloration in your feet
- Throbbing
- Redness
- Pain
- Cuts or wounds that don’t heal
The foot and ankle specialists at Five Cities Foot and Ankle offer reliable, dependable and comprehensive care in Pismo Beach and Santa Maria, CA. If you are dealing with diabetes and want to turn to a foot doctor for regular checkups, please call (805) 481-9100.