Diabetic Foot Care: Key Tips for Healthy Feet

Learn more about proper diabetic foot care from our doctor near you in Levittown, NY, by working with Dr. John Hickey.

How Does Diabetes Affect the Feet?

Diabetes is among the most troublesome conditions you may develop. Over time, diabetes can increase your risk for developing heart conditions, kidney disease, and vision problems. Not even your feet are spared from the dangers posed by diabetes. You will need to practice diabetic foot care to avoid some of the severe complications associated with that condition.

Diabetic foot problems are usually rooted in nerve and blood vessel damage. The diabetes-induced changes taking place inside your body can damage the nerves and blood vessels leading to your feet and prevent them from working properly. Once that happens, your feet will become more vulnerable.

The circulation in your feet may be adversely affected by damaged blood vessels. Now that blood flow to your feet has slowed down, any wounds that form will take longer to heal. At the same time, your feet may grow numb because some of your nerves aren’t transferring signals as they should. Because of that, you may not realize that you have wounds on your feet that are becoming infected.

A severe infection in your foot could spread to the rest of your body. Many people with diabetes end up needing amputation to address those spreading infections. Keep your feet safe from diabetes complications by consulting an expert podiatrist. Contact Dr. Hickey, our podiatrist near you, if you are seeking diabetic foot care tips in Levittown, NY.

What Should Your Diabetic Foot Care Routine Look Like?

Avoiding the foot problems caused by diabetes is possible if you develop a diabetic foot care routine. The ideal diabetic foot care routine includes regular inspections. Examine your feet every day and look for any wounds, blisters, or other indicators of foot problems. If you notice an issue, tell your podiatrist about it so that the appropriate treatment can be provided.

Keeping your feet tidy is also important. Trim your toenails straight across and file down any sharp points that can lead to wounds or other issues. You should also wash your feet with warm water to prevent bacterial growth. Regularly wearing shoes or sandals outside of bedtime can also keep your feet protected. Just make sure that the shoes you’re wearing fit your feet comfortably. You should also add more lower-body exercises to your wellness routine. Dropping your smoking habit is also essential because it can slow down your circulation further.

Call 516-735-4545 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Hickey if you need diabetic foot care advice in Levittown, NY.