When To Seek Medical Attention for Diabetic Foot Problems

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects major body systems, including your immune, circulatory, and nervous systems. The harmful effects of diabetes are often most noticeable in your extremities, including your feet. Corey Bess, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Chiropodist at Hamilton Foot Care in Hamilton, ON, provides a wide range of podiatry services, including diabetic foot care.

What You Need To Know About Diabetes and Your Feet

Changes in your immune system mean you may experience delayed healing. If you have a small cut or blister, it may not heal properly. It may also become infected, leading to a painful diabetic ulcer.

Changes in your circulatory system mean you may have poor blood flow to your feet. Lack of blood flow can lead to tissue death.

Changes in your nervous system mean that you may lose sensation in your feet. You may injure your feet and not feel it. Diabetes also often causes diabetic neuropathy, which results in stabbing pain in your feet.

Proper care of your feet is important when you have diabetes, so remember to:

• Wash your feet in warm water and mild soap every day
• Apply moisturizing cream to keep your skin from cracking
• Check your feet and toes daily for cuts or blisters
• Keep your toenails clean and trimmed straight across
• Wear comfortable, supportive socks and shoes

If you have a small wound or injury, you should:

• Gently remove the dead skin around the wound
• Apply topical medication to the wound
• Bandage the wound with sterilized gauze
• Rest and take the weight off your feet

You need to seek medical attention by visiting your podiatrist if you have:

• A wound that is not healing or is becoming more severe
• Pain in your feet or toes that is not resolving or is getting worse
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or toes which doesn’t resolve
• Signs or symptoms in your feet, toes, ankles, or legs that are limiting your ability to stay mobile

Want To Know More About Diabetic Foot Care?

To learn more about diabetic foot care and when to see your podiatrist or chiropodist, call Corey Bess, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Chiropodist at Hamilton Foot Care in Hamilton, ON. You can reach him in the office by calling (905) 389-9711, so call today.