There are presently thousands of people dealing with diabetes today. After years of increased sugar levels in a diet and not enough exercise, people may develop diabetic problems. These problems involve heart related illnesses, blindness, persistent kidney problem and nerve damage.

Foot complications are common problems of diabetes too. People with diabetes are at high risk for foot complications due to weak blood circulation which can cause a lack of sensation in the feet. These diseases leave the individual in danger of growing stress sores, trouble healing from bruising which can potentially lead to further injury, surgery or potentially amputation. The perfect defense against foot problems for people with diabetes is proper foot care.

For people with diabetes, it is important to make foot care part of their everyday self-care plan. That way individuals can people are able to eliminate complications before they know they have a problem. When legs and feet have nerve problems, a small cut or injury can go without notice. That is why it is essential to check for complications and monitor any injuries before they result in severe problems.

Regular foot care is the most essential thing; about 85 percent of amputations can be prevented if the person gets the injury treated properly. This means that examining your feet regularly and consulting with a podiatrist to be able to catch problems earlier.

The most important protection against diabetic problems of any kind is limited glucose control. This is attained through proper diet, regular sugar monitoring and exercise. To avoid foot problems it is advisable to follow these suggestions.

Find an appropriate doctor

Make an arrangement with a Long Beach foot doctor, or Long Beach podiatrist. Your podiatrist will tell you how to do a thorough foot examination to check for irregularities. Regular foot checks ensure that you will discover problem spots before they become a concern. A podiatrist may suggest using an orthotic to correct foot deformities as well. An orthotic will help prevent unusual stress on the foot and reduce the risk of complications.

Trim toenails

Cut your toenails straight across. Rounding corners down can result in ingrown toenails, which may get affected. Keeping your toenails perfectly trimmed may also reduce stress within your footwear and help you prevent other problems.

Clean your feet

Clean your feet daily with lukewarm water and gentle soap. Make sure you check the water temp with your hand to ensure it is not too hot, or get someone to check the water for you. Dry your feet completely but carefully using a soft towel, paying focus on the skin between your toes.

You may use baby powder to wick water away from your skin, but make sure you remove any deposit, especially between your toes.

This is certainly not a complete list. Consult with a podiatrist at least once per year, and make sure you tell them that you have diabetes so they can provide the best possible direction. For more information about Dr. Pedram Aslmand and the Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, call us at 562-426-0376 or book an online appointment using the “Book Online” button located at the top right of the website.