Diabetic Foot Care and Prevention

Diabetes affects nearly 16 million people in the United States. Neuropathy, or nerve system damage, affects roughly 60-70% of the people with diabetes. Neuropathy can lead to the loss of feeling in the hands or feet.

Diabetics are at risk for foot problems. It is very important that diabetics monitor their feet daily. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems. Get someone to help you, or use a mirror, if you are unable to check your feet yourself. Some other tips that are important to diabetics is washing your feet daily, keep your feet dry, do not soak your feet, do not smoke or cross your legs (both decrease blood supply to the feet), use quality lotion, and diabetic shoes/socks. It is also important to schedule routine visits with your local podiatrist. In some cases, amputation is required when diabetic foot problems go untreated. No matter the size or type of foot wound it is crucial that it be checked out by your local podiatrist immediately. Because diabetes lowers the blood flow in the body injuries take a longer time to heal. Wounds that are not healing are at risk for infection.

Since neuropathy affects so many diabetics it is important to know that when your feet become numb deformities, such as ulcers, can occur. Another bone deformity that can occur is Charcot foot. Charcot foot is one of the most serious problems that can occur with a person who has diabetes. Charcot foot can warp your foot when the bones began to fracture and disintegrate. You will continue to walk on your feet without even knowing the damage you are doing because you can not feel the pain.

Pictured above are our Dr. Comfort socks. Dr. Comfort socks have nano bamboo charcoal fibers for padding in the ball and heel. The socks also provide superior comfort designed to keep feet dry, they have smooth seam construction, the socks also have anti-microbial odor control, and the Dr. Comfort socks have superior breathability. Diabetic socks are a very easy, yet important, solution to the prevention of possible diabetic foot problems. These socks can be purchased in our office. We have a variety of styles and colors to suit your needs. We are also running a special with any three pairs of Dr. Comfort socks that you purchase you also get a free diabetic foot creme. So if you are diabetic and are looking for simple solutions to prevent foot problems please contact us at 419-423-1888 or visit us on the web at http://www.vailfoot.com/ , where you can browse our online store for additional products.