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The Importance of Proper Diabetic Foot Care

When you have diabetes, there are several things you need to do to maintain your health. Eating a healthy diet, taking your medication, checking your blood sugar level, and exercising all play a role in maintaining good health. Taking care of your feet is also extremely important. If you're a diabetic who lives in Roanoke, VA, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialists. Dr. Mahmoud Salem provides diabetic foot care as well as other podiatry services. Read on to learn why diabetic foot care is so important.

Diabetes is Dangerous for Your Feet

Diabetics have to be careful with their feet. Just a tiny cut on their feet can cause serious issues. Many diabetics have nerve damage. As a result, they often lose feeling in their feet. Diabetes also reduces blood flow, making it difficult for cuts and other injuries to heal. If cuts, blisters or sores go untreated, you can end up with serious complications.

Untreated Cuts Cause Complications

When you're a diabetic and have untreated cuts, sores or blisters, the injury can become infected. If the infection progresses, there's a chance you will need your toe, foot or a section of your leg amputated. This is necessary to stop the spread of infection and, ultimately, save your life.

Taking Care of Your Feet

If you're a diabetic, follow certain guidelines in order to ensure you stay healthy and free of infection:

  • Inspect your feet each day, checking them for any cuts, sores, or blisters. Contact your podiatrist if you notice any issues.
  • Wash your feet each day with warm water. Thoroughly dry your feet and then apply lotion. Avoid applying lotion between your toes as this can lead to infection.
  • Trim your toenails by clipping them straight across. Then file down any rough edges.
  • If you have corns or calluses, go to your podiatrist for treatment. Don't try to treat them yourself.
  • Never go barefoot, making sure you always wear shoes or slippers outside or in your home. This prevents you from getting a cut or scrape on your feet.
  • Visit your Roanoke, VA, podiatrist for regular foot exams. Your podiatrist can check your feet for proper blood flow and make sure you have feeling in your feet.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Doctor

If you're a diabetic who lives in Roanoke, VA, and need a podiatrist, schedule an appointment at Salem Foot and Ankle Specialists. Our doctor treats a wide array of podiatry issues, including diabetic foot care. Contact us at (540) 982-0253.

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