{"id":230,"date":"2016-12-21T20:18:34","date_gmt":"2016-12-21T20:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/smoky-mountain-foot-demo.mylocalbeacon01.com\/blog\/website_library\/diabetic-foot-care\/"},"modified":"2016-12-21T20:18:34","modified_gmt":"2016-12-21T20:18:34","slug":"diabetic-foot-care","status":"publish","type":"website_library","link":"https:\/\/smokymountainfootclinic.com\/website_library\/diabetic-foot-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Diabetic Foot Care"},"content":{"rendered":"
People with diabetes are much more likely to suffer nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections\u2014all problems that directly affect the feet. The lack of feeling and poor blood flow caused by poor diabetes management can allow a small blister or wound to progress into a serious infection that could lead to amputation. Nerve damage\u2014also called neuropathy\u2014can cause skin to dry out and crack, which opens up another avenue for bacteria and fungi to enter the body.<\/p>\n
To prevent diabetic complications, it\u2019s important to take proactive rather than reactive. That means visiting your doctor regularly, exercising, and eating a healthy and balanced diet. It also means that you have to pay special attention to your feet by inspecting them regularly. Properly inspecting your feet should include the following:<\/p>\n
Wearing properly fitting shoes is crucial in keeping your feet healthy\u2014a poor fitting shoe can lead to foot problems like corns, calluses or hammer toe. Walking shoes and athletic shoes are good for daily wear because they support your feet and allow them to “breathe.” Try to avoid wearing shoes that are made of vinyl or plastic, and shoes with pointed toes or high heels.
\nIn addition to choosing proper footwear, you need to also consider the socks you are wearing. Make sure your socks are clean, padded and dry. Socks should be worn at all times\u2014even if you\u2019re wearing shoes\u2014to protect against blisters and sores. People with diabetes should also avoid walking barefoot at all times because fungal and bacterial infections can spread very easily.<\/p>\n
Properly managing your diabetes and protecting your feet can help avoid complications caused by infections. When infections go untreated and aren\u2019t treated properly, you risk losing your foot altogether. When infections like gangrene begin to kill dead tissues, the only treatment available is surgery to remove the affected appendage.
\nDiabetes is a serious condition that\u2014if improperly managed\u2014can become potentially life-threatening. Contact our office for more details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","yoast_head":"\n