What You Need to Know about Diabetic Foot Care

What You Need to Know about Diabetic Foot Care

How your podiatrist in West Orange, New Jersey can help your feet when you have diabetes

If you have diabetes, you are not alone. In fact, over 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Unfortunately, diabetes can cause problems in many areas of your body, especially your feet. The podiatrists at FootDiabetic Foot Care Health Center in West Orange, New Jersey can help keep your feet healthy.

Diabetes affects most of your body’s systems including the nervous, circulatory, and immune systems. Your feet can feel these effects in several ways. For example:

Nervous system changes result in lack of feeling and sensation in your feet. You may burn or injure your feet and not even feel it. An impaired nervous system can also result in diabetic neuralgia, an uncomfortable condition characterized by nerve pain in your feet.

Circulatory system changes can cause impaired blood flow to your feet and toes.

Immune system changes cause healing to be impaired. That means a small cut or blister on your feet can turn into a large, painful diabetic ulcer.

There are a few simple tips you can follow to protect and care for your feet when you have diabetes. Remember to:

  • Always wear supportive shoes and avoid going barefoot to avoid injuring your feet
  • Do ankle and foot exercises and stretches to boost circulation in your feet and toes
  • Wash and dry your feet daily and apply lotion to keep your skin from drying out
  • Examine your feet every day for cuts, blisters, or other injuries
  • Apply a healing gel or cream and bandages on any cuts or injuries

You should also visit your podiatrist regularly for a professional examination of your feet. Your podiatrist can diagnose and treat foot issues early, and that means a better outcome for you. For more information about diabetic foot care call the podiatrists at Foot Health Center in West Orange, New Jersey. Call today and protect your feet!

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