How does diabetes affect my feet?
Because your feet can be easily neglected, your diabetes may cause injuries you don’t even notice. Some of the ways diabetes affects your feet are:
- Poor circulation
- Peripheral artery disease
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Calluses
- Foot ulcers
- Skin changes
- Charcot foot, or bone weakening
Getting diabetic foot care often and regularly could mean the difference between walking or needing a wheelchair.
What symptoms will I feel in my feet from diabetes?
Looking at your feet daily helps you quickly spot any changes in the nails and skin around your feet and ankles. With poor circulation, your skin begins to look dull and ashy.
If you develop neuropathy, you’ll have a tingling or numbness in your toes and feet. If your neuropathy goes untreated, your bones begin breaking down, which could result in amputation.
With diabetes, small sores on your feet and ankles take longer to heal. Without early treatment, those sores develop into larger ulcers.
Any one of these conditions is dangerous, but having an educated and skilled podiatrist on your side makes it much easier to keep your feet healthy.
Do I need a doctor for diabetic foot care?
Without comprehensive foot care, diabetic patients are more likely to have amputations than those who get routine checkups. At Precision Footcare, Dr. Jurcisin evaluates your feet and establishes individualized care for you. He starts treatment on any current issues and helps you prevent future problems.
How can I protect my feet if I have diabetes?
Protection against diabetic foot problems begins with daily inspections. Dr. Jurcisin recommends having a daily routine for protecting your feet that includes:
- Moisturizing to avoid cracking
- Wiggling your toes several times a day
- Shaking out your shoes for foreign objects
- Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
- Avoiding tight socks and shoes
- Soaking your feet in warm water
Seek treatment and prevention before any chronic issues, such as Charcot foot, take hold. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have suffered from diabetes for a long time, seek out the professional advice of Dr. Jurcisin at Precision Footcare. Call or book online today.
