If you are one of the millions of Americans with diabetes, you might already know that you are at risk of diabetic neuropathy, a condition that causes poor blood flow to the legs and increases the risk of potentially serious infections/complications to the feet. These issues can then make it much harder for someone with diabetes to heal from common issues like ingrown toenails, athlete's foot, and even simple blisters. Decreased blood flow and nerve damage can also make it harder for a diabetic person to notice or feel symptoms right away, increasing the risk of infection and complications. Consequently, Dr. Jeffrey Belancio, your foot doctor at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ, recommends that diabetic patients see a podiatrist on a regular basis to maintain optimal health and avoid serious issues. Read on to learn more.

Diabetic Foot Care From our Vineland Office

Most people take commonplace and everyday activities like trimming their toenails or going barefoot for granted. However, when you have diabetes, even something as simple as wearing too-tight shoes or pulling a hangnail can lead to potentially serious complications.

How to Keep Your Feet Healthy if You Have Diabetes

Staying on top of your overall health and keeping your blood sugar at a stable, healthy level are two of the most important thing you can do as a diabetes patient. When it comes to foot care, there are also a few simple precautions that you can take to lower your risk of infections and complications:

• Keep toenails trim, cutting straight across and avoiding rough or jagged edges
• Keep your feet clean and dry, and do not apply lotion between the toes
• Wear supportive shoes and avoid walking in your bare feet, especially on hot surfaces or in public spaces like locker rooms or pools
• Use warm water when washing your feet
• Perform regular self-checks for any signs of a problem
• Never "pop" blisters or pick at dead skin
• See a foot doctor for regular check-ups and maintenance

Find a Foot Doctor in Vineland, NJ

For more information about diabetic foot care and how to protect yourself from complications, contact South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists today by calling (856) 839-0579 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Belancio.

The human foot and ankle contain 33 joints, 26 bones and over 100 tendons, ligaments and muscles. While all of these parts of the foot should work together, there are certain conditions, injuries and diseases that can affect the health and functioning of your foot or ankle. There are many instances in which you should turn to a podiatrist for individualized care that you can trust time and time again.

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Heel pain
• Ankle sprains and fractures
• Foot fractures
• Sports-related injuries
• Bunions and hammertoes
• Corns and calluses
• Diabetic foot care
• Fungal infections
• Ingrown toenails
• Heel spurs

Discover some helpful tips for keeping your feet healthy.

As anyone with diabetes knows, it is vitally important to keep blood sugar levels in check. High blood sugar levels that are left untreated can lead to issues with circulation and nerve damage, which greatly impact your feet. Our Vineland, NJ, podiatrist Dr. Belancio believes nothing is more important than knowing how to keep your diabetes in check to protect the health of your feet. Here’s what you need to do to stay healthy,

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

It’s important that you are eating three meals around the same time each day so that your body is able to effectively use the insulin it is receiving from your diabetes medication. Talk to your doctor about the best diet plan for you. A healthy diet includes:

• Lean proteins (eating fish twice a week can benefit your heart health)
• Low-fat dairy
• Fruits and vegetables
• Legumes, beans and other healthy carbs
• “Good” fats such as olive oil, peanuts and avocados

Stay away from foods that are high in cholesterol, and saturated and trans fats.

Get Up and Exercise

If you have type 2 diabetes, regular exercise can help you maintain healthy glucose levels. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to sign up for the gym to benefit from exercise. Exercise comes in many forms, from simple 30-minute walks around your neighborhood to swimming. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.

Examine Your Feet Every Day

This is something that your Vineland, NJ, foot doctor cannot stress the importance of enough. It only takes a couple of minutes to check your feet to look for symptoms or warning signs of a problem. It’s amazing how quickly a cut, sore, blister or callus can turn into an infection. By discovering these symptoms early you can turn to your podiatrist for care before it gets worse.

Never Go Barefoot

Even if you are indoors you should always wear shoes to protect your feet. Even something as minor as hitting your toe can lead to an ulcer. Those with nerve damage in their feet may not even know if they are walking on hot pavement that could cause burns. This is why it’s important to wear the properly fitted footwear at all times.

Here at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists in Vineland, NJ, we pride ourselves on offering the very best foot care no matter whether you are dealing with diabetes or not. Call our office today to learn more about the services we offer and how we can help you.

If you're diabetic, you know that high blood sugar damages almost every part of your body, including your extremities. So daily diabetic foot care is a must, says Dr. Jeffrey Belancio in Vineland, NJ. This highly qualified podiatrist at South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists encourages all his diabetic patients to partner with him in keeping feet healthy and moving.

Why feet matter

Your feet really indicate how healthy the rest of you is. Healthy feet have good circulation, fast wound healing, excellent sensation (you can feel pain and pressure easily) and intact skin.

High glucose levels common to diabetics can change all that, however. In fact, the American Diabetes Association says that poorly controlled Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes shows itself in poor circulation, peripheral neuropathy (nerve pain and lack of sensation), and slow wound healing. 

Caring for your feet

Dr. Belancio and his team urge patients to get routine diabetic foot exams at their Vineland office. These check-ups allow your foot doctor to note changes and spot problems before they become complicated.

Also, Dr. Belancio suggests the following care routine to keep your feet at their healthiest:

1. Look at your feet daily. Note any swellings, changes in color or cracks in the skin.
2. Cut your toenails straight across with clean clippers as needed.
3. Wash and dry your feet every day, and wear clean socks.
4. Moisturize with a good quality lotion to avoid development of cracks and dry skin.
5. Wear good supporting shoes to avoid pressure points and development of deformities such as hammertoes, bunions, corns, calluses and more.
6. If you have an ingrown toenail or callus, come to the office for treatment to avoid infection and other serious complications.
7. Do not go barefoot. Even the cleanest of floors have dirt and fungus which lead to infections and Athlete's Foot. Also, shoes or good slippers provide good support and protection against cuts and bruises.
8. Control your blood sugars. This is good for your feet, heart, kidneys, eyes and nervous system, too.
9. If your feet hurt or look swollen or red, contact Dr. Belancio.

Please make an appointment

Being diabetic means paying attention to your feet. At South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists, we'd love to help you do just that. Please call the office in Vineland, NJ today for a routine podiatric examination: (856) 839-0579.