November is American Diabetes Month, and it is essential to raise awareness about the significance of diabetes management. Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Managing diabetes is more than just controlling blood sugar levels. Foot care is an important part of managing diabetes that is often overlooked but crucial. Diabetes can cause many problems with the feet, such as neuropathy and poor circulation, and is a higher risk of developing foot problems. It’s important to be proactive in your care and adopt good diabetic foot care practices.

Tips for Promoting Healthy Diabetic Foot Care

Be Careful When You Cut Your Toenails: It might seem easy to trim your toes, but it’s very important to do it carefully. To keep from getting ingrown toenails, cut them straight across and not too close to the skin.

Pick Out the Right Shoes: For diabetic foot care, the right shoes are very important. Choose shoes that give you good support and padding. Make sure they don’t have any sore spots where they are too tight. Regularly check your shoes for damage or strange items.

Put on Clean, Dry Socks: Wear clean and dry socks daily. Socks that wick away moisture can help keep your feet dry and lower your risk of fungal diseases.

Control Your Blood Sugar: Keeping your blood sugar under control is important if you have diabetes and want to avoid foot problems. Always check your blood sugar and do what your doctor says to manage your diabetes.

Keep Moving: Being active regularly can help your health and circulation, which is very important for diabetes foot care. You should talk to your doctor about what training is best for you.

Stop Smoking: Smoking can lower blood flow, which makes it harder for your body to heal. You might want to quit smoking to take better care of your feet and your health in general.

Get Help Right Away for Foot Problems: If your feet hurt and are not getting better, or if you see any signs of an infection like redness, swelling, or discharge, you should see a doctor immediately. Complications can get worse if they are not treated right away.

Improving your diabetic foot care plan is an important part of controlling your diabetes and ensuring your feet stay healthy over time. If you follow these tips, you can lower your chance of problems and have a better quality of life.

If you have questions or concerns about your feet, we’re here to help. At Clark Podiatry Center, Dr. Brandon A. Macy, a board-certified podiatrist, treats various conditions such as heel pain, diabetic wounds, bunions, nerve pain, and more. The New Jersey Children’s Foot Health Institute is also part of Clark Podiatry Center. We provide exceptional service for patients in Union County. Contact our office at (732) 382-3470 or schedule an appointment online. Our office is at 1114 Raritan Road, Clark, NJ 07066.