It is extremely important to care for your feet when you have diabetes. Individuals with diabetes often have poor blood circulation, which can result in a slower healing time for foot wounds and injuries. A longer healing time increases the risk of developing an infection. Without prompt treatment, an infection could lead to more serious health issues. Dr. Brian Doerr, the experienced podiatrist at our office in Fort Myers, FL, can help you develop a diabetic foot care routine for keeping your feet healthy.

Diabetic Foot Problems

Small foot wounds and injuries that become infected could lead to more serious problems, which is why diabetic individuals need to be diligent about caring for their feet daily. Potential foot problems that could develop as a result of infection include:

• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Calluses on the feet
• Ulcers on the feet
• Foot swelling
• Charcot’s foot
• Gangrene
• Amputation

The skilled podiatrist at our Fort Myers, FL, practice can recommend specific ways to care for your feet, promote better blood circulation, and reduce your risk for foot infections.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic foot care includes examining your feet daily. It is essential to inspect each foot for wounds and injuries. Even a small scratch or scrapes could become infected if they aren't tended to promptly. First-aid measures should be applied to any injury, such as gently cleaning and drying the wound, applying antibiotic ointment, and bandaging the injury. Things to look for when checking the feet include redness, cuts, scrapes, scratches, punctures, blisters, and bruises. Checking for and treating ingrown toenails is also important.

In addition to examining your feet daily, other steps you can take to keep your feet healthy include:

• Wearing comfortable shoes
• Wearing loose socks to bed
• Moisturizing the feet every day
• Keeping the feet clean, dry, and warm
• Refraining from soaking the feet in water
• Wearing warm shoes and socks in cold weather
• Preventing ingrown toenails by trimming nails straight across
• Stretching or moving periodically during the day to improve circulation

The benefits of diabetic foot care include enjoying healthier feet and preventing serious conditions from developing. Dr. Doerr can assist you in creating a personalized diabetic foot care routine and teaching you what to look for when performing daily foot exams. To schedule an appointment with the podiatrist, call our office in Fort Myers, FL, at (239) 931-3668.