Taking Care of Your Feet When You Have Diabetes

Keeping your feet healthy is always important, they get you where you want to go, but if you have diabetes the reasons amplify as do the possible problems that may arise. It's important to remember you don't have to do this on your own and to minimize your chances of complications your podiatrist is your best ally. So to learn more, get in contact with Dr. Michael Sherwin of Family Foot Care Bellingham in Bellingham, WA.

Complications

Nerve damage is common in people with diabetes, affecting about half of everyone who suffers from the disease. It typically impacts the legs and feet, which has as a side effect that you may not feel the indicators that something is wrong. The problem compounds with poor circulation, which lengthens healing in case of infection.

Infection is your biggest enemy, if allowed to progress it may become life-threatening, so a drastic measure to prevent its spread could be amputation. It's why it's important to look over your feet for nicks and cuts that won't heal and to visit your podiatrist on a regular basis.

Diabetic Foot Care in Bellingham, WA

Your podiatrist can assist you with something as seemingly simple as trimming your toenails. They can show you the best approach to reduce the possibility of ingrown nails or injury. Do your best to prevent your exposure to an athlete's foot by not going barefoot in public places. Never treat problems like corns and calluses at home, and especially avoid over-the-counter products without checking in first.

Inspect your feet daily, wash them, dry them, and moisturize them, but avoid using moisturizer between your toes.

These are only a few of the steps you can take toward keeping your feet healthy, and along with maintaining your blood sugar in check, the other thing you should do is to see your podiatrist for yearly checkups, or more often if you suffer from nerve damage.

So to make an appointment with Dr. Sherwin of Family Foot Care Bellingham in Bellingham, WA, dial (360) 738-9797.