In the wake of the ongoing pandemic, the need to support people living with diabetes, and particularly those with foot problems, remains crucial. Today Dr. John C. Marzano has a few tips on how people with diabetes can maintain their foot health throughout the long, warm summer months.
People with diabetes can mitigate the risk and manage the effects of diabetes on their feet by taking a few precautions. To enjoy an excellent and a pain-free summer, make sure that you follow these foot care tips.
- Manage your glucose levels. Diabetic patients need to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and avoid abnormal spikes or dips. Physical activity, proper and timely medication, a healthy diet, and routinely checking your blood sugar can help control blood sugar levels.
- Avoid walking barefoot. Feet are at risk of cuts, infections, and puncture wounds when they are barefoot. Keep yourself safe from walking barefoot on a hot surface or at the beach where there may be pieces of broken shells, glass, and other sharp debris. Make sure that you wear shoes when outdoors too.
- Make sure your shoes and socks fit right. If you wear shoes that are too tight, they can cause blisters and calluses. If it’s time to put away your old shoes and buy new ones, it is important to ask a professional to have your foot measured. Wear socks that are thick, soft, and without a seam to reduce the chance of irritation. Also, wear socks that are designed to wick away any moisture to avoid the risk of a fungal infection.
- Inspect your feet daily. Develop the habit of inspecting both of your feet thoroughly. Be on the lookout for any cuts, bruises, calluses, bunions, and change in skin color, foreign objects, or any abnormalities. Make sure to check the bottom of your feet using a mirror.
- Use moisturizing cream for dry skin. The hot summer weather can make your feet rough and dry. A moisturizing cream can help. Apply it sparingly, but never between your toes, as that could encourage a fungal infection.
- Trim your toenails carefully. File your toenails straight across and never too short to avoid painful ingrown toenails. See your podiatrist for the best advice instead of going the DIY route.
If you have diabetes, regular appointments with your podiatrist are good for you. Don’t hesitate to contact our board-certified podiatrist Dr. John C. Marzano of Westchester Podiatric Healing Medicine, P.C., to schedule your next appointment. Call us at (914) 423-0600 for more information on the services we offer or visit our office in Yonkers, NY today.