Diabetes is a medical condition that can cause many other problems in your body. One of the biggest problems that long-term diabetes can cause is the loss of sensation or feeling in your feet. This is called diabetic neuropathy.
If you are diabetic and are having trouble with your feet, Dr. Marshall L. Lukoff at Foot Care Specialists, PC can take care of all your foot care needs, including everything from preventative care to ingrown toenails.
Foot problems caused by diabetes
It is no secret that diabetes causes many concerns, including foot issues. These concerns can really put a damper on your life. Some of the foot conditions related to diabetes include:
- diabetic neuropathy
- calluses
- ulcers
- dry skin
- poor circulation
- foot deformities
- fractures
Diabetic neuropathy may be one of the most serious of the diabetic foot conditions. Neuropathy means loss of sensation to the nerves, which diminishes your sensation and ability to feel heat and cold on your feet.
Without proper feeling in your feet, you may get a cut or puncture wound on your foot and be unable to feel it. One of the side effects of diabetes is slow wound healing. If your slow healing cut is left untreated, that wound may lead to infection, and in severe cases, amputation of toes or your entire foot.
Normal blood sugars and healthy feet
Many diabetic complications, especially foot problems, can be avoided by appropriately managing your blood sugar. Maintaining normal blood sugar can reduce your risk of many complications related to diabetes, including diabetic neuropathy.
You can maintain normal blood sugar in a variety of ways, including:
- eating plenty of whole foods, including lower-sugar fruits and vegetables
- avoiding sugar and alcohol
- quitting smoking
- monitoring your blood sugar regularly
- taking any prescribed diabetes medications.
Also, check your blood sugar regularly, even if your levels have been normal. Consistent normal blood sugars will greatly reduce your chances of complications from diabetes.
Long-term healthy feet
Along with keeping your blood sugar at a normal level, there are other ways to ensure that your feet stay healthy.
Staying active will greatly improve your foot health. Getting out and walking will improve blood flow to your legs and feet, decreasing the complications of diabetic neuropathy. Always wear comfortable shoes that fit properly, and never go barefoot.
Checking your feet regularly will help you avoid unnecessary infections due to missed cuts or punctures that you may have not been able to feel.
Along with checking your feet, wash your feet daily, and apply moisturizer to avoid the dry, cracked skin associated with diabetes.
Preventive care is also important. Having Dr. Lukoff perform regular foot checks will decrease your risk of missing something that could cause you harm.
If you’re a diabetic with foot concerns or are looking for a doctor to address all of your foot care needs, call us at either of our two locations in Quincy and Dedham to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lukoff or request an appointment online today.