Specialized Diabetic Foot Care
General Podiatry
TARGETED FOOT CARE FOR OUR DIABETIC PATIENTS
Because foot injuries can be dangerous to diabetics, A Step Above Podiatry offers specialized care for our diabetic patients.
We want to ensure that what might be a routine blister for some does not become a major infection for you. Neuropathy and circulation issues can complicate simple injuries in the diabetic population.
See us regularly for foot care, including seemingly mundane tasks like trimming corns or calluses. Call today to talk to our office and get the personalized periodic care your feet need and deserve.
FOLLOW THESE RULES FOR THE CARE OF DIABETIC FEET
The American College of Foot and Ankle surgeons have the following recommendations regarding diabetic foot care. If you notice any issues, call us to make an appointment.
- Inspect your feet every day. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, and nail problems. To see the bottoms of your feet, use a magnifying hand mirror.
- Bathe your feet only in lukewarm water. Keep your feet clean by washing them daily but use only lukewarm water.
- Be gentle when bathing your feet. When you wash them, use a soft washcloth or sponge. Dry by blotting or patting, and carefully dry between the toes.
- Moisturize your feet – but not between your toes. Use a moisturizer daily to keep your skin from itching or cracking. You don’t want to moisturize between your toes, however, as that can encourage a fungal infection.
- Cut toenails carefully. Cut them straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut nails too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails. Better yet, consult your doctor.
- Never treat corns or calluses yourself. Don’t perform “bathroom surgery” or use medicated pads. Visit your doctor for appropriate treatment.
- Wear clean, dry socks and change them daily. You should consider socks made specifically for patients with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle, and are made from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin.
- If your feet get cold at night, wear socks to bed. NEVER use a heating pad or a hot water bottle.
- Before you put on your shoes, shake them and feel around inside. Your feet may not be able to feel a pebble or other foreign object, but your fingers can, so always inspect your shoes before putting them on.
- Keep your feet warm and dry. Don’t let your feet get wet in snow or rain and always wear warm socks and shoes in winter.
- Consider using an antiperspirant on the soles of your feet. This is helpful if you have excessive sweating of the feet.
- NEVER walk barefoot. Always wear shoes or slippers even when you’re at home. One slip up and you could stub your toes or step on something and get a scratch or cut.
- Monitor your diabetes and always keep your blood sugar levels under control.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking restricts blood flow in your feet, to say nothing of all the other health threats it poses.
NEED A MEDICAL ASSISTANCE?
Request an Appointment
Dr. Elizabeth Hinton, DPM is available to answer any questions you might have about your upcoming procedure and recovery period. If you’re worried about forgetting your questions, jot them down on a piece of paper and bring them to your appointment.
