Finally, warmer weather has arrived! Before you kick off your shoes and head to the beach, remember, diabetes and bare feet are not a good combination.
If you’re walking barefoot, even the slightest stub of the toe can lead to a foot ulcer, and if you have diabetes, this can mean big trouble. Peripheral neuropathy, which occurs due to nerve damage, can lessen pain sensation so you may not even know if you are damaging your feet. That means cuts and abrasions could go undetected, and with loss of blood flow being common with this disease, the wound may not heal before an infection sets in.
What does that mean for your next beach excursion? Unfortunately, walking on the beach barefoot is definitely a bad idea. Just think of all the hazards such as seashells, glass, and other debris, that can cut your skin and cause possible infections.
Another danger with diabetes and bare feet is hot black top. Even if you’re just hurrying across the parking lot without shoes, you can obtain severe burns that can lead to infection.
What’s the bottom line? To prevent serious problems, diabetics should never walk bare foot—not even indoors. So whether you’re planning to attend a Memorial Day picnic, to enjoy a day at the beach, or to hang out around the house, make sure you wear proper fitting shoes this summer. Your feet will thank you for it!
Learn more about diabetic foot care by contacting Dr. Raymond A. DiPretoro, Jr. at (302) 355-0056, or by visiting one of the three convenient locations of Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, Inc. We are located in Newark, Glasgow, and Wilmington, DE.
Photo Credit: David Castillo Dominici via FreeDigitalPhotos.net