There are currently more than 25 million Americans living with diabetes in the United States today. After years of elevated blood sugar levels patients often have diabetic complications. These complications include heart problems, blindness, chronic kidney disease and nerve damage. Foot problems are a very common complications of diabetes.
Patients with diabetes are at high risk for foot problems because of poor circulation and loss of sensation in the feet. These deficiencies leave the patient at risk for developing pressure sores, infection, difficulty healing and even amputations. The best defenses against foot complications is proper foot care and excellent sugar control.
The number one defense against diabetic complications of any kind is tight glucose control. This is achieved through healthy diet, routine blood sugar monitoring and exercise. To prevent foot complications it is best to invest follow these tips!
1. Find the Right Shoe! Knowing what to look for in an orthopedic shoe is important. Shoes should have thick, quality cushioning to prevent rubbing and sores on the feet. The insoles should be well cushioned to prevent pressure sores. The insoles should be removable to allow for orthotic devices to be placed in the shoes if necessary. Shoes with a low heel are appropriate for most patients. Select shoes with wide toe boxes to allow plenty of space for the toes, particularly if you have foot deformities such as bunions or hammer toes.
2. Find the Right Fit! Proper footwear should fit appropriately and should not be too snug. To avoid buying shoes that are too tight, shop toward the end of the day to account for foot swelling that tends to occur.
3. Find the Right Doctor! Make an appointment with a foot doctor, or podiatrist. Your podiatrist will show you how to do a complete foot exam that you should do every day. Daily foot checks insure that you will find problem areas before they become infected because often diabetic patients have difficulty sensing open wounds on the feet. The podiatrist may recommend using orthotic devices to correct foot deformities. This will help prevent abnormal pressure on the foot and limit your risk of ulcers, infection and amputations.
4. Pamper Your Feet! Wash and inspect your feet daily. Wear clean, comfortable socks that do not have seams or holes.
Follow these tips, keep sugars in good control and invest in quality shoes to keep your feet free from diabetic complications!
Patients with diabetes are at high risk for foot problems because of poor circulation and loss of sensation in the feet. These deficiencies leave the patient at risk for developing pressure sores, infection, difficulty healing and even amputations. The best defenses against foot complications is proper foot care and excellent sugar control.
The number one defense against diabetic complications of any kind is tight glucose control. This is achieved through healthy diet, routine blood sugar monitoring and exercise. To prevent foot complications it is best to invest follow these tips!
1. Find the Right Shoe! Knowing what to look for in an orthopedic shoe is important. Shoes should have thick, quality cushioning to prevent rubbing and sores on the feet. The insoles should be well cushioned to prevent pressure sores. The insoles should be removable to allow for orthotic devices to be placed in the shoes if necessary. Shoes with a low heel are appropriate for most patients. Select shoes with wide toe boxes to allow plenty of space for the toes, particularly if you have foot deformities such as bunions or hammer toes.
2. Find the Right Fit! Proper footwear should fit appropriately and should not be too snug. To avoid buying shoes that are too tight, shop toward the end of the day to account for foot swelling that tends to occur.
3. Find the Right Doctor! Make an appointment with a foot doctor, or podiatrist. Your podiatrist will show you how to do a complete foot exam that you should do every day. Daily foot checks insure that you will find problem areas before they become infected because often diabetic patients have difficulty sensing open wounds on the feet. The podiatrist may recommend using orthotic devices to correct foot deformities. This will help prevent abnormal pressure on the foot and limit your risk of ulcers, infection and amputations.
4. Pamper Your Feet! Wash and inspect your feet daily. Wear clean, comfortable socks that do not have seams or holes.
Follow these tips, keep sugars in good control and invest in quality shoes to keep your feet free from diabetic complications!
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