Do you know someone who has lost a toe, leg, or foot due to diabetes? People with diabetes are more predisposed to foot problems. This is due to the nerve damage experienced over time, also referred to as diabetic neuropathy. Among the common foot issues are bunions Bakersfield, caused by the affected blood flow and nerve problems. Other concern that can cause bunions includes:
- Congenital deformities
- Trauma
- Genetics
- Arthritis
- Disorders of the nerves and muscles
- Improper footwear
If you have diabetes and bunions, you need effective foot care to manage and reduce pain and keep the problem from developing further. The best approach is to be proactive, keeping the bunions at bay. Among the foot care measures for people with diabetes includes:
Footwear
If you have diabetes, your footwear shopping efforts need to be slightly over the standard. A perfect fit will not cut it. You need to wear comfortable shoes and socks offering enough room for the toes. Pick shoes offering more depth in the toe box. Also, consider options without seams inside since they can rub on foot. The same goes for the socks; it is best to pick padded and made from cotton or other moisture-wicking materials. Wear comfortable shoes and socks daily, indoor or outdoor, protecting your feet from injuries. This helps keep problems at bay.
Check the feet
Your doctor recommends checking your feet daily, a simple routine you should not ignore. You can get cracks or sores in your feet, and with the nerve damage complications, fail to feel it, emphasizing the need for daily checks. Check for injuries, cuts, blisters, redness, nail issues, or swelling. Such concern puts you at a higher risk of infection. If you spot any, contact your doctor for immediate attention. With prompt intervention, you can take the right measures to stop the developing issue at its tracks.
Hygiene
Ingrown toenails can lead to infections. Trimming your toenails is not a complicated process. Careful, though; don’t pick or pull on cuticles as it can lead to injuries. Also, keep the feet clean, ensuring you don’t create an optimum environment for infections. It is advisable to wash your feet with lukewarm, not hot water. Be cautious in the process to avoid injuries. Use a sponge or soft washcloth and dry the feet after washing. Keep the feet moisturized; lotion does the trick.
Proper exercise
Exercising is a great diabetes management measure. Nonetheless, options that put more strain on your feet, like jumping, leaping, or bouncing, might not be the best fit, especially if you have neuropathy. Find an exercise regimen that does not expose you to a higher risk of foot injuries, such as swimming or walking.
Quit smoking
If you have not already, quit smoking; it is bad for blood circulation. Diabetes already puts you at a higher risk of developing foot issues. Poor circulation deprives them of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, making it worse. They don’t get enough firepower to fight infections and stay healthy, emphasizing the need to quit smoking and moderate other habits like alcohol consumption.
Visiting your podiatrist for regular checks and treatments, even for seemingly minor issues like calluses, cannot be emphasized enough as you strive to keep your feet healthy when managing diabetes. Visit Diabetic Foot and Wound Center today to learn about the available treatment options.
