What your podiatrist in Phoenix and Glendale, AZ wants you to know

Many people neglect taking care of their feet, but if you have diabetes, you need to take care of your feet so they can take care of you. Diabetes affects all of the systems in your body, and the effects are especially noticeable in your feet.

So, how do you take care of your feet if you have diabetes? Dr. Michael Dershowitz at Southwest Foot Institute wants to help answer that question. He has office locations in Phoenix, and Glendale, Arizona to help you and your feet.

Diabetes can cause problems with your immune, circulatory, and nervous systems, and your feet are impacted in different ways:

• Immune system issues can cause healing problems. If you get a small blister or cut, it may fail to heal and can even turn into a diabetic ulcer.
• Circulatory system difficulties can cause not enough blood flow to get to your feet and toes.
• Nervous system problems can cause you not to feel foot pain. Lack of sensation can result in you damaging your feet and not realizing it. You may also suffer from diabetic neuropathy, resulting in chronic nerve pain in your feet.

There are a few simple tips you can do at home to prevent diabetic foot problems. Remember to:

• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day to prevent infection
• Apply thick moisturizing cream or lotion to prevent dry, cracked skin
• Check your feet and toes for cuts, blisters or sores
• Keep toenails trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown toenails
• Exercise and massage your feet daily to promote circulation
• Always wear supportive footwear and avoid walking barefoot

For additional information about taking care of your diabetic feet, please visit the Diabetic Foot Care page on the Southwest Foot Institute website at https://www.southwestfootinstitute.com/diabetic-foot-care-phoenix-az.html

You should also visit your podiatrist regularly for professional treatment. If you have diabetes, you are not alone because the disease affects over 29 million people in the United States according to the American Diabetes Association.

Your feet don’t have to suffer the effects of diabetes. You can get relief by calling Dr. Michael Dershowitz at Southwest Foot Institute, with offices in Phoenix, and Glendale, Arizona. Call today!

Is a foot examination a part of your daily routine? If you have diabetes, performing this check can prevent small issues from becoming 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.

If you have diabetes, you may feel as though you have enough to worry about without taking the time to care for your feet. You may also not understand the correlation between diabetes and proper foot care. That's why Dr. Michael Dershowitz and Dr. Floyd Miller, podiatrists at the Southwest Foot Institute in Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale, Arizona, want to provide their diabetic patients with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information about foot care and how it relates to managing their condition.

Why is foot care so important for diabetics?

Since diabetes is an issue that originates in the pancreas, including your feet in your care regimen might seem odd. However, diabetes is a disorder that slows blood flow and decreases nerve response. When these two symptoms are combined, the healing process is greatly diminished. It can also cause neuropathy the weakness, numbness and pain from nerve damage in the hands and feet. Because your feet are the furthest appendage from your heart, the injuries they sustain can be life-threatening if they are not treated promptly. Therefore, the best way for a diabetic person to maintain their foot health, according to your podiatrists, is to prevent injuries and practice stringent foot care.

How can I care for my feet?

Preventing injuries will help prevent the complications that can accompany a wound that is left to become infected. You can do this by wearing comfortable, properly fitted shoes at all times, even inside the house. Your Phoenix podiatrist cautions against wearing open toed shoes at any time. Trimming your toenails straight across can also help prevent ingrown toenails; Dr. Dershowitz or Dr. Miller can show you the proper technique. It's also important to set aside a time each day to inspect your feet for even the most minor injuries: blisters, cuts, or bug bites can quickly become unmanageable if they are not detected and treated right away. Your Phoenix podiatrist suggests making foot care part of your everyday hygiene regimen; perform your foot checks before or after showering. You can use a mirror to look at the bottom of your feet more easily. If the problem is persistent, painless, non-invasive laser treatment may be your best option.

Contact your podiatrists in Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale

Above all else, it's important to contact your foot care specialists as soon as you notice any signs of injury to your feet or ankles. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact the Southwest Foot Institute in Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale.