We depend on our feet to get from place to place, to navigate our world, so taking good care of them is already very important. It becomes much more important if you suffer from diabetes as you have to be extra diligent to make sure they, along with the rest of you, are healthy. To learn more about how your podiatrist can help you care for your feet contact Dr. Jeffrey Belancio of South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ.
Guarding Against Infection
Infection is your number one enemy where it comes to foot care if you suffer from diabetes. On one front there is nerve damage, which is very common among diabetic patients, affecting about half of them. This nerve damage on the legs and feet can dull your sense and make you unaware that something is wrong, and so infection can progress unnoticed without help from your podiatrist.
Poor circulation, also common by those afflicted with the chronic condition, can lengthen the healing time for infections, which is what makes them so dangerous. More so if they go unnoticed. If allowed to progress, an infection can threaten your life. That is why once it has advanced too far into the limb that many doctors suggest amputation as a drastic, but necessary life-saving measure. The guard against infection is regular examinations of your feet, both by yourself and your podiatrist.
Diabetic Foot Care in Vineland, NJ
Your podiatrist not only checks your feet for signs of infection but can help prevent problems that could turn into one. Such as with ingrown toenails, by helping you trim them properly.
They can also treat corns and calluses, and other foot-related conditions to prevent complications. So if you're diabetic you should not try to care for these on your own, instead, turn to your podiatrist to treat them in a professional and safe environment. Make an appointment with Dr. Belancio of South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ, by dialing (856) 839-0579.