Caring for Your Feet When You're Diabetic

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.