Summer Foot Care for Diabetics

If you are diabetic, you already know your feet can be seriously affected by the condition. Taking extra special care of your feet under normal circumstances can be challenging, but summer can make doing that even harder. To ensure you use the best diabetic foot care this summer in today’s post, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing what you need to know about diabetic foot care this summer.

Common Diabetic Foot Problems

The two most common foot problems for diabetics are neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral vascular disease (diminished blood flow). 

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when nerve damage prevents your legs and feet from feeling pain or temperature. Because of this, if you get a sore or cut, you might not be able to feel it. In addition, if your circulation is poor, that injury may not heal and, subsequently, get infected. 

What makes this even more worrisome is that for diabetics, the most basic foot issues that heal quickly and easily for others can easily get gangrene, infection, or worsen to require limb amputation. Some of these foot conditions include toenail fungus, bunions, ingrown toenails, blisters, plantar warts, and athlete’s foot. 

The most essential thing you can do is eat right, exercise, stay healthy, and be aware of the importance of controlling your blood sugar levels and monitoring your diabetes. 

6 Tips for Summer Foot Care for Diabetics

While the tips for foot care for those living with diabetes are basically the same throughout the year, some are specific to summer because of increased time spent outdoors. 

1. The number one tip is never to walk barefoot, outdoors, or indoors. This is because any injury, whether it’s a bad scrape or a stubbed toe, could have a severe effect on your diabetic feet.
2. Examine your feet each day for any cracks, wounds, sores, or cuts, as well as tenderness or bruising. 
3. Treat injuries immediately. 
4. Keep your feet dry and clean. During the summer, increased sweating can cause foot fungus, which is quite dangerous if you are diabetic.
5. Test the water before stepping into a hot bath, as you could easily scald or burn your feet.
6. Keep your regularly scheduled appointments with your podiatrist.

If you’re living with diabetes, your feet need extra special care, especially in summer. We’re here to offer you the proper care you need to keep your diabetic feet happy and healthy.

If you’re experiencing any issues with your feet, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, today to make an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.