Even minor foot issues can lead to serious infections if you have diabetes. Fortunately, your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Center offer the care you need to protect your feet. Their offices are conveniently located in Ashburn, McLean, Reston and Fairfax, VA.
Why diabetic foot care is so important
High blood sugar levels make it more difficult to fight infection. A burst blister or a small wound on your foot can quickly become infected when you have diabetes.
If your feet are numb due to nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy, you may not feel a cut, sore spot or blister. In fact, an infection could become quite advanced by the time you notice that there's a problem.
Conducting daily home foot exams and calling your Ashburn, McLean, Reston or Fairfax foot doctor at the first sign of trouble can help you avoid infections.
7 ways to protect your feet if you have diabetes
These tips will help you avoid injuries and infections:
- Wear Shoes Indoors and Out: Protecting your feet from injuries is much easier than treating a raging foot infection.
- Cut Your Toenails Carefully: Cut your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. If you do notice an ingrown toenail, call the office to schedule an appointment. The nails can easily become infected if they're not treated promptly.
- Don't Pop Blisters: Bandage blisters and leave them alone. Popping a blister will increase your chance of infection.
- Avoid Uncomfortable Shoes: Sacrificing comfort is never a good idea, especially if you have diabetes. Stop wearing shoes that pinch your feet or cause blisters.
- Add Orthotics to Your Shoes: Orthotics are prescription shoe inserts that decrease pressure on your feet, preventing blisters.
- Examine Your Feet: Take a look at your feet every day. Look for anything out of the usual, such as cuts, scratches, blisters, ingrown toenails. Pay attention to changes in the color of the skin and hot or cold sensations too.
- Call the Podiatrist: Get in touch with your foot doctor right away if you notice red streaks or pus around a wound, numbness, tingling, or black, white or red skin.
Are you worried about a diabetic foot issue? Your podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Center are here to help you manage your foot care needs. Schedule an appointment by calling (703) 723-9267 for the Ashburn, VA, office, (703) 273-9818 for the Fairfax, VA, office, (703) 556-8637 for the McLean, VA office, or (703) 723-2719 for the Reston, VA, office.