subject: Diabetics- Practice Extra Preventive Care To Protect Your Feet From Harm [print this page] A person's foot is the area of the body that is most commonly prone to injury and infection for someone who suffers from diabetes. Diabetic foot complications are usually the result of neuropathy, poor circulation and a lower resistance to infection. At least 15% of all diabetics will develop a diabetic ulcer at some point in their life. In order to prevent such complications from occurring, it is important that you visit your podiatrist in Tampa, FL regularly, in addition to practicing proper preventive measures. By taking extra care of your feet, you can potentially avoid the need for amputation.
Take Proper Care of Your Feet
To avoid serious foot problems that can result in more serious complications such as amputation, follow these guidelines:
*Inspect your feet daily
*Wash your feet in lukewarm water
*Be gentle when bathing your feet
*Moisturize your feet
*Cut nails carefully
*Never treat corns or calluses yourself
*Wear clean, dry socks
*Shake out your shoes and feel inside before wearing
*Never walk barefoot
*Take care of your diabetes
*Don't smoke
*Get periodic foot exams
With a diabetic foot, small wounds such as a blister from wearing shoes that are too tight can cause severe damage. With diabetes, blood flow is decreased, which creates a slow healing process for injuries. You should inspect your feed on a daily basis, looking out for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, and nail problems. If you cannot see your feet yourself, get a friend or relative to help you or use a mirror.
Visit Your Podiatrist in Tampa, FL Regularly
Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects several different parts of the body. With this being said, proper case management requires a team approach from your doctor and podiatrist. Your podiatrist is vital in managing your symptoms because they have documented success in the prevention of amputation of your lower extremities. The key to preventing amputation is early recognition and regular at-home foot screenings and from your podiatrist.
With your annual check-ups to your Tampa, FL podiatrist, you should be aware of the warning signs that could signal immediate attention. Some warning signs include:
*Changes in skin color
*Elevation in skin temperature
*Swelling of the foot or ankle
*Pain in the legs
*Open sores on the feet that slowly heal
*Ingrown and fungal toenails
*Bleeding corns and calluses
*Dry cracks in the skin, especially the heel
Upon immediate recognition of any of these symptoms, it is vital that you contact your podiatrist in Tampa immediately. The sooner you bring attention to your ailments, the sooner your feet can be brought back to proper health and further prevention can be performed. Early prevention and treatment with the help of your podiatrist are critical in maintaining proper foot and ankle health.
