Do you know a limb is lost to diabetes in every 20 seconds? Well, when you suffer from diabetes, you are more at risk of having foot problems and complications. Ensuring good foot health is thus essential when you have diabetes. Wondering how to keep your feet in good condition? Seeking advice from a podiatrist on foot care in Surrey can be the ideal way to take care of your feet.
When suffering from diabetes, encountering problems with your feet as well as legs are two of the most common problems of this disease. Diabetes put you at a higher risk for corns, calluses, blisters, bunions and ulcers. Moreover, higher blood pressure means that these minor alterations and injuries can become the getaway to disabling infections. And, the ideal way to keep your feet in good shape is wearing specialised footwear, undergo regular foot exams as well as perform low-impact exercises.
Listed below are a few useful tips shared by a leading podiatrist to help you stride on with confidence while suffering from diabetes.
Foot Care In Surrey: Useful Tips For Diabetic Patients
Inspect Your Feet Regularly
Nerve damage is one of the most common complications of diabetes, making it hard to feel when there are cracks or sores in your feet. If you cannot see all parts of your foot clearly, consider placing a mirror on the floor or you can even ask a relative or friend for help. Remember; inspecting your feet every day for wounds, cracks and sores is important.
Don’t Use Your Feet To Test Hot Water
When diabetic patients develop nerve damage, telling if the bath water is too hot can be very difficult. Stepping into a bathtub without checking the temperature can cause some serious damage to your feet. This is because; both blisters and burns open doors to infection. Experts advise using your elbow to check the water temperature before taking a shower or getting into the tub.
Keep Your Feet Dry
Leading podiatrists with years of experience in offering foot surgery in Surrey suggest you keep your feet dry for ensuring good foot condition all year round. The space between the toes is usually very airtight. The skin here gets very moist and even breaks down, leading to infections. You can prevent this by removing sweaty socks or shoes immediately and by towelling off after washing your feet. You can even use moisturise to prevent cracked and dry skin.
Use Diabetes-Friendly Footwear
The best podiatrist advises diabetic patients of supporting their feet with diabetes-friendly footwear and socks. Look for footwear which covers both top as well as the bottom, has more depth in the toe box. Similarly, you should look for socks without seams, preferably the ones which are padded and made from cotton or another material which controls moisture.
Seeing a podiatrist can be the best way to ensure healthy feet. So what are you still here for? It’s time to schedule an appointment with a reputed podiatry clinic!