If you have diabetes, you have more in common with people like Tom Hanks and Halle Berry than you probably thought. They too have to practice good diabetic foot care so they stay safe and protected. Visiting Dr. Mitchell Wachtel regularly is important, but engaging in daily “do it yourself” foot care at home is also crucial to staying healthy.
Those with diabetes have more to worry about when it comes to the health of their feet. Even a small cut can turn into a serious foot ulcer if not properly treated. One of the best ways to make sure your feet are staying safe is by doing daily foot checks. Peripheral neuropathy can make it nearly impossible to feel a problem, so seeing is everything. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Check your feet daily and thoroughly. Inspect every nook and cranny, including in between your toes and around your ankles. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call us immediately.- Keep your feet clean and dry to avoid a fungal infection.
- Moisturize your feet to avoid cracked skin.
- Trim your nails straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown nails.
- Never try to trim corns or calluses on your own as you could do more harm than good.
- Check your shoes before putting them on your feet. Sharp objects could be hiding inside.
- Wear shoes at all times, even when at home. You could step on something sharp and not feel it.
- Manage your diabetes and maintain good health by eating healthy foods, exercising, and not smoking.
For more information on diabetic foot care and “do it yourself” foot care tips, call Dr. Mitchell Wachtel at (978) 794-8406 to schedule an appointment in our Haverhill, MA office.