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The Importance Of Diabetic Foot Care

The Importance Of Diabetic Foot Care

By Southwest Foot Institute

June 21, 2017

Category: Foot Care

Tags: Diabetic Foot Care

Is a foot examination a part of your daily routine? If you have diabetes, performing this check can prevent small issues from becoming diabetic foot care more damaging. Glendale and Phoenix, AZ, podiatrist, Dr. Michael Dershowitz, explains why taking good care of your feet is so important.

There's no such thing as a minor foot injury

Before you developed diabetes, you probably didn't pay much attention to blisters or sores on your feet. They may have been uncomfortable for a few days, but discomfort was the extent of the problem. Unfortunately, those seemingly minor injuries can cause big health problems if you have diabetes.

When your blood sugar level rises, infections develop quickly and are difficult to treat. Due to nerve damage in the feet, some people who have diabetes don't feel any pain if they have a blister or step on a nail. Without daily foot exams, the infection can go unnoticed until it becomes serious.

How can I avoid diabetic foot problems?

Check your feet at least once every day. If you can't physically examine your feet yourself, ask a family member or friend to help. Look for blisters, open sores, corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, red streaks and changes in skin color or sensation. If you notice any of these problems, call our Glendale or Phoenix office and make an appointment.

Wear comfortable shoes. Tight shoes lead to blisters. If you happen to notice red spots on your feet when you perform your daily exam, switch to a different pair of shoes. Try not to wear the same pair of shoes every day, and avoid tight shoes and socks. Do you have trouble finding a comfortable pair of shoes? Consider buying a pair of diabetic shoes. They're specially designed to provide extra cushioning and reduce pressure on your feet.

Don't be afraid to call the foot doctor. Sometimes people decide to treat sores or broken blisters themselves rather than bother their podiatrists. Unfortunately, treating the problem at home can increase your risk of a serious infection. It's a much better idea to let us take a look at your wound, even if it seems minor.

Protect your good health by visiting Dr. Michael Dershowitz at the first sign of a foot problem. Call his Glendale and Phoenix, AZ, offices at (602) 340-8686 to schedule an appointment.

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