8 Daily Habits for Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

Foot ulcers are the leading cause of lower-extremity amputation. Yet regular foot exams and simple self-care tips can prevent open sores and wounds from becoming limb-threatening. 

If you have diabetes, it is critical that you have regular foot exams, at least every six months, by your doctor or a foot health professional—such as a podiatrist. A foot exam can reveal a lesion that hasn’t healed or may be infected. You may not feel pain, but that doesn’t mean you’re not at risk. Any untreated foot infection increases the risk of amputation.

Also, do daily foot inspections yourself. Look and feel for bumps, lumps, blisters or bruises; cuts, sores or cracked skin; patches of thin or shiny skin, which can signal lack of blood flow; tingling or numbness; ingrown toenails with red, puffy skin along the nail and tenderness or pain. Check the bottom of your feet with a hand mirror if you aren’t flexible enough to look at the soles. See a health professional to treat any of these conditions.

Follow these additional tips to keep your feet healthy and free of sores and infections:

1. Clean and dry

Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water, making sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between and under toes; athlete’s foot or other fungal infections can occur in moist areas of the feet.

2. Fit and trim

Trim your toenails regularly or have a foot health professional do it for you.

3. Keep your hands to yourself

Don’t cut or file calluses or other protrusions on your feet and don’t use wart removers or other harsh chemicals.

4. Get comfy

Have new shoes properly measured and fitted—don’t wear shoes that are too loose or too tight.

5. Search your shoes

Check inside shoes daily for sharp points, sharp edges, seams or other rough areas or foreign objects that may lead to cuts, wounds or abrasions.

6. Stay sweat-free

Wear padded socks made of acrylic or acrylic blends to protect feet and keep moisture away.

7. Go with the flow

Walk as much as possible to boost blood flow to the feet and help with weight and blood sugar control.

8. Be vocal

See a podiatrist or other foot health professional immediately if you notice any signs of infection.

Source: futureofpersonalhealth

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

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