4 Footcare Tips For Diabetics

When you suffer from diabetes, you not only have to worry about your blood sugar levels. You also have to watch out for neuropathy, which can make you lose feeling in your feet. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 60 to 70 percent of diabetics deal with neuropathy. To protect your feet against infection, follow these diabetic foot care tips:

Stay Away from Hot Tubs

Taking a dip in a hot tub may be relaxing, but it can be dangerous for diabetics. When you have nerve damage in your feet, you might not be able to tell if the water is too hot. If you do not know the true temperature, you can severely burn your feet, increasing the risk of an infection. If you still want to get in a hot tub, at least check the temperature with your elbow first.

Don't Go Barefoot Inside

Walking barefoot around your house might not seem like a big deal, but it can actually put you at risk of cutting or scraping your feet. If you do not have a lot of feeling in your feet, you may not even realize your feet have cuts until they get an infection. If you at least wear a pair of slippers, you can prevent these issues.

Give Low-Impact Workouts a Try

Although regular exercise is beneficial for diabetics, high-impact workouts can be rough on the feet. To avoid hurting your feet, it is best to choose low-impact workouts like walking, swimming and yoga.

Wear the Right Shoes

When you have diabetes, it is even more important to wear proper footwear every day. According to WebMD, if you don't wear the right shoes, you could develop serious problems, including infections, ulcers and amputation. If you have already lost sensation in your feet, you should stay away from high heels and narrow shoes. It is best to wear shoes that are specifically designed for people with diabetes, as they are wider and easier on the feet. If you still experience issues with your feet, your podiatrist may have to give you protective footwear and inserts.

If you follow these helpful tips, you will be less likely to experience problems with your feet. However, it is still important to inspect your feet daily for issues, like bunions and ulcers. If you see changes in your feet, visit a podiatrist, like those at Camden County Foot & Ankle Center, soon.