Diabetes and podiatry are closely linked due to the need for diabetic patients to take good care of their feet. To the diabetic, a podiatrist is more than just a foot doctor. They are a partner that works with the patient to prevent serious complications from making an already difficult disease even more difficult to live with.
Below are some important things to know about diabetic foot care and podiatry. As you read, keep in mind that Beyond Podiatry operates local branches throughout Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio. We also have a few branches in Kentucky and Indiana. Our podiatry clinics can help you take good care of your feet.
Diabetes and the Feet
An estimated 38.4 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. That amounts to more than 11% of the population. Diabetes is a complicated disease and one that can lead to other chronic health conditions. As podiatrists, our concern is with the feat.
Diabetes can negatively impact foot health due to some of its complications. Those complications include nerve damage and poor circulation. Combined, the nerve damage and poor circulation can lead to things like open sores and infections.
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) is among the most common problems diabetics experience with their feet. It can lead to tingling, numbness, and a total loss of feeling. This further contributes to a higher risk for blisters and cuts that can eventually become infected.
How Podiatry Can Help
Regular podiatric care can help diabetics maintain good foot health. Here are some ways podiatry can help:
- Early Treatment – With routine medical exams, podiatrists can identify foot issues in their earliest stages, leading to early treatment that wards off serious complications.
- Wound Care – Podiatrists can provide advanced wound care for diabetic wounds and ulcers in the feet.
- Customized Care Plans – Podiatry lends itself very well to developing a customized care plan for the feet. Each patient is different, so each care plan should be customized.
Podiatry is also Ideal for educating diabetic patients on how to manage foot health properly. A foot doctor cannot prevent the poor circulation and nerve damage diabetes is known for. But they can help their patients take the steps necessary to minimize any negative impacts.
Common Podiatry Recommendations
Thanks to many years of research and observation, podiatry has come up with a standard compendium of care that can be customized to each patient. Within that compendium of care are common recommendations, including:
- Daily Inspections – Diabetics are advised to inspect their feet daily. Looking for cuts, blisters, and areas of redness is important to staying ahead of potential problems.
- Hygiene – Diabetics are advised to regularly wash their feet in warm water, then dry thoroughly and moisturize with a trusted product.
- Nail Care – Diabetics are advised to trim their toenails by cutting straight across. They are advised to avoid treating corns and calluses at home.
- Footwear Choices – Diabetics are advised to wear shoes that protect their feet against injury. Special socks designed for diabetics can be a tremendous help.
A podiatrist’s advice for a diabetic is generally centered around prevention. By taking good care of the feet in order to avoid injury, serious complications can be kept at bay.
If you are a diabetic, never forget how important good foot health is. Your feet are an important part of who you are. Take care of them so that they can do the same for you. If we can help here at Beyond Podiatry, we would be more than happy to come alongside as your partners in good foot health.