Avoid Amputation With Proper Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide every year and can cause damage to blood vessels in several parts of the body. This is particularly true in the feet of a patient who is diabetic. If you are living with diabetes, taking care of your feet is crucial, as is having a podiatrist on your care team. Today Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing some information regarding diabetic foot care.

Foot ulcers are quite common for patients who are diabetic due to diminished sensitivity in the feet as a result of neuropathy. Because of this, in many cases, a person with diabetes isn’t aware of a cut or scrape.

This is extremely dangerous because it can become infected and result in a foot ulcer that can lead to the need for amputation of a foot or even an entire leg. That’s why swift and thorough care is so important.

Caring for Your Diabetic Feet Properly
Diabetic foot care is vital in the prevention of ailments such as foot ulcers. Some things diabetics can do to reduce the risk of infection include:

• Examining the feet daily to look for blisters or cuts
• Properly trimming the toenails – if you can’t do it yourself, get help
  Visiting your podiatrist on a regular basis even if your diabetes appears to be under control
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably and provide cushioning
• Wear comfortable footwear that provides adequate support
• Keep blood levels under control, as these levels play a huge role in diabetic care
• Let your podiatrist know of any concerns you may have regarding your feet
• Routine foot examinations and early treatment are keys to maintaining proper foot health, particularly because severe complications can arise if proper care is not taken.

If you are living with diabetes, proper foot care is imperative. If you haven’t had your feet checked by a professional in some time, contact the office of Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule a consultation. Call our office today at (425) 455-0936 to book your visit or schedule an appointment online.