Tips For Avoiding Diabetic Foot Problems

If you are one of the many people who is living with diabetes, then it is vital that you know how to properly care for your feet and lower legs. This is important because diabetes can affect your ability to feel problems happening until they become very serious. To this end, follow these tips to properly care for your lower legs and feet to protect them from the common diabetic problems that can happen to them:

Tip: Inspect Your Legs and Feet Daily

When you are living with diabetes, it is a requirement that you take time each day to visually inspect both of your legs and feet. Start with your knees and look at every inch of your legs and feet. Do not forget to check for skin damage between your toes and on the bottom of your feet. If you are not flexible enough to see all of your lower legs and the bottom of your feet, then buy a hand mirror to assist you.

Tip: Wash and Dry Your Lower Legs and Feet Every Night

Since bacteria and fungal spores can grow in the moist environment of your socks, you should remove them every night and wash your lower legs and feet well with an antibiotic soap. After they have been washed, then you need to use a clean towel to completely dry your legs and feet. Take special care to thoroughly dry between each of your toes. If you do not get the areas between your toes very dry, then the skin can break down and lead to infections.

Tip: Wear Only Cotton Socks

When you live with diabetes, it is a requirement that you only wear cotton socks. Cotton socks have the ability to absorb water, which is vital for keeping your feet dry and disease free. If you wear socks out of synthetic fibers or wool, then your feet will sweat and infections can more easily take hold.

Tip: Have Your Calluses Professionally Removed

Finally, you should never attempt to remove the calluses on your feet yourself if you have diabetes. Instead of using a pumice stone at home, you should seek the regular care of a podiatrist. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in disorders of the feet and they are the best person to help you manage your diabetic foot care. They have special tools they can use to remove your foot calluses in a safe way.

For more information, contact local professionals like Family Foot Center Podiatry Group Inc.