How Your Podiatrist in Maryland Can Help Your Feet

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects your major body systems, including your nervous, circulatory, and immune systems. The disease has damaging effects on your extremities, especially your feet. That’s why people with diabetes must take special care of their feet. The foot and ankle specialists at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland are here to share the details about how to care for diabetic feet. With convenient locations in Silver Spring, Kensington, Olney, Laurel, Maple Lawn, and Camp Springs/Clinton, MD, they’re ready to help you, too.

The Effects of Diabetes on Your Feet

Diabetes is a very common disease affecting millions of people in the United States. Unfortunately, the disease can cause major changes in your feet, including:

• Loss of feeling: This may injure your feet without feeling any pain.
• Reduced circulation: This can lead to tissue death and increase the risk of toe or foot amputation.
• Weakened immune response: Even a small injury can develop into a larger, infected wound.

Diabetes can also result in diabetic neuropathy, a condition that causes pain and numbness in your feet. Neuropathy can impair your walking ability and significantly impact your quality of life.

How to Take Care of Your Feet

You can do a lot to take care of your feet and prevent complications from diabetes. Remember to:

• Inspect your feet daily for small cuts, blisters, or other injuries.
• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly and apply moisturizing lotion (but avoid the areas between the toes).
• Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown nails.
• Perform stretching exercises for your toes, feet, and ankles.
• Protect your feet by wearing well-fitting, supportive shoes.
• Avoid heat exposure by skipping heating pads or other hot sources on your feet.

Why Regular Podiatry Visits Are Essential

A vital part of caring for diabetic feet is scheduling regular visits with a foot and ankle specialist. The specialists at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland provide expert care to help prevent complications and manage any issues before they worsen.

Contact Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland Today

If you’re managing diabetes, taking care of your feet is crucial to your overall health. For personalized care, schedule a visit with the experts at Family Foot & Ankle Associates of Maryland. With offices in Silver Spring, Kensington, Olney, Laurel, Maple Lawn, and Camp Springs/Clinton, MD, they help you maintain healthy, happy feet.

Call today:

• Silver Spring, MD: (301) 439-0300
• Kensington, MD: (301) 942-8110
• Camp Springs/Clinton, MD: (301) 868-7670
• Olney, MD: (301) 924-5044
• Laurel, MD: (301) 317-6800
• Maple Lawn, MD: (301) 317-6800