How to Manage Diabetic Foot Problems

When most people think of diabetes, blood sugar immediately comes to mind. But for podiatrists, it’s your feet. Because November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, in today’s post Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland is discussing some of the common diabetic foot problems and how to avoid them.

How Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Diabetes causes your body to have a tough time regulating sugar levels in your bloodstream. Because of this, your body doesn’t produce enough insulin and/or you become resistant to it.

The hormone insulin controls your blood sugar levels and the sugar in your blood can build to unsafe levels, which can lead to damaged blood vessels. This makes it harder for your body to get oxygen and unfortunately, this is particularly hard on your feet.

Common Diabetic Foot Problems

Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) affects 50% of diabetics, making it a very real concern. Vascular and nerve damage also makes diabetics more susceptible to other foot conditions, including:

How to Manage Diabetic Foot Problems

Being aware of the potential dangers is the most important thing you can do to protect your feet so they can be treated at the first signs of a problem. There are a number of preventive measures you can take:

  • Tingling, numbness, or pain in your feet

  • A breach in your skin, even from a fungal infection or warts

  • Ulcers that don’t heal

  • Changes in skin temperature

  • Swelling

If you have diabetes, we highly recommend planning regular foot care appointments with us so we can monitor your feet for any potential issues. The earlier we can act, the quicker we can stop life-changing complications, like amputation and gangrene.

Avoiding Diabetic Foot Problems

To reduce your chance for diabetic foot conditions, we suggest taking preventive action:

  • Keeping your feet protected and dry

  • Examining your feet daily for any changes

  • Washing and thoroughly drying your feet daily

  • Wearing custom orthotics

  • Wearing shoes that don’t crowd your feet and toes

  • Maintain blood sugar levels

  • Schedule regular visits with your podiatrist.

With our oversight and help, we can help you protect your foot health if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes. For additional information about diabetic foot care, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland today by calling (410) 761-3501.

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