Taking Care of Your Feet Properly When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes causes dramatic changes to your body, specifically to your feet. Having diabetes makes it necessary to take extra care of your feet. The skilled doctors at The Foot and Ankle Center offer a wide range of foot and ankle services, including caring for your feet when you have diabetes. They have two convenient office locations in Jackson, and Brick, NJ, to help you and your feet stay healthy.

When you have diabetes, these are just some of the changes that can happen to your feet:

• Problems with your immune system can cause you to not heal. There is a chance even the smallest cut or blister can turn into a large, painful diabetic ulcer.
• Problems with your nervous system can result in you losing sensation in your feet. You may not even feel it if you injure your feet. You may also develop peripheral neuropathy, a painful nerve condition in your feet.
• Problems with your circulatory system can result in loss of blood flow to your feet and toes. With inadequate blood flow, your tissue can die, and you could be faced with amputation of your toes or feet.
  
  

 So, what can you do to take proper care of your feet when you have diabetes? Our doctors recommend:

• Inspecting your feet every day and look for any blisters, cuts, or other skin damage.
• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day. Apply moisturizing creams to keep your skin hydrated.
• If you notice any skin damage, apply an antiseptic cream or lotion and contact your podiatrist.
• Stretch your feet and toes to increase circulation and maintain mobility and flexibility.
• Wear comfortable, supportive shoes to protect your feet. Try to avoid going barefoot.
  
  

To find out more about diabetic foot care and other foot and ankle services, call the doctors of The Foot and Ankle Center. You can reach us in Jackson, NJ, at (732) 833-2800, or in Brick, NJ, at (732) 477-0441, so call today!