The Importance of Proper Diabetic Footcare

The Importance of Proper Diabetic Footcare

Here at Prestige Podiatry in Carmel, IN, and Indianapolis, IN, Dr. Jeffrey Agricola makes diabetic patients a top priority. After all, diabetes is a dangerous condition, that if mismanaged, can result in severe consequences. These problematic issues include tingling and pain in the lower extremities, numbness, and an increased risk for infections. Consequently, proper foot care is necessary to increase blood flow, optimize foot, leg, and ankle health, and ultimately avoid amputation. If you have diabetes and require more knowledge on the importance of proper foot care, please read on.

Why is Diabetic Foot Care Important?

Diabetes raises blood sugar, and when sugar levels are high, they can damage the nerves within the feet and eventually lead to peripheral neuropathy. Proper diabetic foot care is necessary to prevent, manage, and treat circulation problems, blisters, cuts, wounds, and other complications. Monitoring the feet daily with proper instructions from your podiatrist can make all the difference in your condition.

Diabetic Foot Care at Home

In between visits to Prestige Podiatry, Dr. Agricola encourages diabetic patients to practice proper foot care by inspecting their feet daily at home and utilizing the following tips:

  • Cut nails straight across, but not too short, and file the edges
  • Wear clean, dry socks, change them when wet
  • Keep feet warm and dry at all times
  • Moisturize your feet, but not between the toes
  • Keep blood sugar levels under control

Most importantly, don't ever attempt to remove a corn or callus by yourself. Visit one of our locations immediately for appropriate treatment.

When to Visit a Podiatrist

For optimal foot health, individuals with diabetes should see a podiatrist on an annual basis. That helps with early detection and prevention of ulcers, open wounds, and other complications. During a periodic foot exam, Dr. Agricola can check if you are wearing the proper footwear, in addition to performing a physical exam to ensure that your ankle, foot, and nail health are in good standing. We highly recommend visiting our Carmel, IN, or Indianapolis, IN, office, if you experience one or more of the following:

  • Open sores
  • Corns and calluses
  • Ingrown or infected toenails
  • Swelling or pain in the legs, foot or ankle
  • Dry cracks in the skin around the heel
  • Changes in skin color or temperature

 

Contact Us

If you have diabetes and need assistance with your daily foot care, consult with Dr. Jeffrey Agricola to prevent complications. Proper foot care is critical for those with this condition, and visiting a podiatrist can improve your quality of foot and general health. For more information about diabetic foot care, other conditions we treat, and services provided at Prestige Podiatry, visit our website. To schedule an appointment in our Carmel, IN, office, please call (317) 846-4111. For our Indianapolis, IN, location, please call (317) 881-0070.