Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Blood vessels located all over the body are damaged due to diabetes—even the blood vessels of the feet. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can result from slower blood flow in the legs and feet. In diabetic patients, neuropathy is very important to monitor, as diabetics are at risk for developing ulcers, making regular Diabetic foot care essential.
Always washing and thoroughly drying the feet are pertinent parts of diabetic foot care, especially when focusing on Diabetic foot ulcers prevention. There should be a focus on cleaning between the toes. Even if no pain is felt, the entire foot should be examined for redness and sores. Neuropathy can often mask the pain of sores and ulcers, causing these conditions to be overlooked. Use a mirror to examine the underside of your feet if needed. It is recommended that diabetics wear well-fitting socks.
Diabetic Foot Exam Services in Houston
Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised. It is very important to keep your blood sugar levels in the normal range, which can be determined by your physician. There are medications that a physician may prescribe to help with neuropathy of the diabetic patient. It is also advisable to visit a podiatrist if the diabetic patient is experiencing any conditions involving the feet such as ingrown toenails, which in more severe cases can cause infection. A diabetic foot exam in Houston patients rely on can further help detect early issues before they worsen.
Guide to Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Care
Diabetic foot care at home is possible if a patient is provided with instructions from their physician. Patients can cure dry heels with creams or ointments. If trying to remove a callus with a tool, practice caution as severe diabetics may not be able to feel pain. Improper removal may cause a wound to develop. This is why proper diabetic neuropathy foot care is important for preventing unnoticed injuries.
Diabetic feet must be inspected on a daily basis. Set up regular visits with your podiatrist since proper diabetic foot care is necessary. If you suspect that you have a wound, notify your doctor immediately. Gangrene is a serious problem for diabetics and can lead to sepsis and amputation in its worst cases. Early treatment and daily inspection of diabetic feet are keys to staying healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have diabetes, you should have your feet checked by a specialist at least once a year. More frequent exams are advised if you have nerve damage, poor circulation or a prior foot ulcer.
Daily inspection of your feet, proper foot hygiene, wearing well-fitting shoes, and controlling your blood sugar are key steps for diabetic foot ulcers prevention.
Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels—this condition called neuropathy means you may not feel pain or notice small injuries, making diabetic neuropathy foot care essential.
Seek care from a foot doctor in Houston as soon as you see a cut, blister, redness or soreness that does not improve—or if you can’t feel your feet properly. Early intervention prevents serious complications.