ST. LOUIS – If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your feet every day – even if they feel good.
Nerve damage to the feet and legs can affect blood flow, another complication of diabetes, and put you at risk of developing a foot ulcer, which could become infected. Some examples of problems: athlete’s foot, fungal infections of the nails, calluses, corns, blisters, pads, and diabetic ulcers.
If you are a diabetic there is a lot you have to do, such as: B. Check your blood sugar levels, monitor your diet and stay active. However, checking your feet is also essential.
Around half of all diabetics suffer from nerve damage or neuropathies, especially in the feet. Some people may feel numbness, tingling, or pain, while others may not have symptoms.
Contact your podiatrist or family doctor if you have problems with your feet, cracked or dry skin, thickened or yellow toenails, a non-healing blister or sore, an infection, corn, or ingrown toenails are an immediate appointment with your doctor.
Dr. Anne Maestas, podiatrist with SSM Health Medical Group, says you should examine your feet every day for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, or other changes in the skin or nails. Use a mirror if you need help seeing the bottom of your feet or if you can ask a family member for help.
Maestas recommends washing your feet in warm water every day and drying them completely and applying lotion to the top and bottom of your feet. She also recommends not going barefoot to avoid injury.
Dr. Maestas says that walking, biking, or swimming is recommended with shoes that go well with socks for maintaining movement.
To learn more about the SSM Health Medical Group, click here.
The SSM Health Medical Minute will air Wednesdays on News 11 at 7 p.m. and FOX 2 News at 9 p.m.
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