Podiatry For Diabetics – What You Should Know
A common problem for diabetics is the loss of sensation in the feet, pain, and the risk of foot infections. Good podiatry involves regular check-ups and gentle care and is essential to reduce the risk of infection. Podiatry for diabetics may also require regular medical and/or nursing care. High blood sugar and restricted blood flow can damage the nerves in your feet and lead to infections. Getting the right nutrition is also vital to keep high blood sugar levels under control.
People with diabetes can lead active and healthy lives provided they take certain precautions and follow their doctor’s advice. Podiatry and foot care for diabetics seek to prevent serious infections in the feet resulting from blisters or cuts. Fairview Adult Day Care Center in Brooklyn NY offers podiatry, medical and nursing care to registrants with diabetes. Our dietician will advise you on the right diet to maintain optimum health.
Let’s check out how foot care can help people with diabetes.
What Does A Podiatrist Do For Diabetic Feet?
Podiatrists advise clients about the nature of diabetes and certain do’s and don’ts. For example, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and eating a healthy diet are important in controlling blood sugar levels. They will stress the importance of the right physical therapy and physical activity as part of a daily routine.
Apart from that, podiatrists monitor your blood sugar and ensure you take any medications prescribed by your doctor. Foot care for diabetics usually involves washing the feet in lukewarm water. Podiatrists will assess the nerve damage, will give you advise as to how to take care of your feet and what to wear or not to wear.
They may also massage and moisturize the feet to reduce the risk of infection-causing blisters or cuts.
Why is podiatry important for diabetics?
A vital part of health care for diabetics is regularly checking the feet for blisters, sores, calluses, redness or swelling. The aim of podiatry for diabetics is to prevent infections which can also lead to dangerous foot ulcers (open sores). Advice to prevent foot infections also includes the wearing of warm, loosely fitting socks and not going around barefoot.
Podiatry and foot care for diabetics is important to prevent serious health complications resulting from diabetes. For example, podiatrists advise against soaking the feet as this can lead to cracked skin, which increases the risk of infection. They will gently dry the feet, paying special attention to the toes and the spaces between them. They may carefully trim your toenails and deal with any emerging corns or ingrowing toenails.
How can diabetics improve circulation in their feet?
The key to improving blood flow and circulation in the legs and feet is exercise and/or physical therapy. Anything that gets the heart and lungs working a bit harder helps to improve circulation in the feet.
Examples of such activity may be aerobics, dancing, or walking. On top of that, clients should be self-aware and regularly move their toes, ankles, feet, and legs. Podiatry for diabetics also includes advice to avoid sitting still for long periods and keep active.
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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