One of the insidious effects of diabetic neuropathy is an inability to feel pain due to numbness from nerve damage. Being numb to pain means that foot problems can go undetected and lead to worsening damage or a microbial infection that could rapidly progress and result in the amputation of a toe or worse, which makes proper diabetic foot care essential.

Taking good care of your feet when you have diabetes consists of the following:

• Clean and dry your feet at least once per day—Clean your feet daily with mild soap and warm water. Dry carefully, especially between the toes.
• Perform a daily foot inspection—You can do this during and after your washing routine. Look for any cuts, scrapes, etc… and treat them right away to help prevent infections. Check the bottoms with a mirror. Additionally, have regular visits with your foot doctor to catch any unnoticed problems hopefully before they worsen.
• Proper toenail cutting— Trim them a little long and straight across to help avoid complications such as ingrown and fungal toenails. It is another task you may prefer to have done at your podiatrist’s office to be sure it’s done right.
• Wear supportive and comfortable shoes with orthotics—A variety of styles of specially made diabetic footwear is available to provide the proper cushioning and support and to provide space for orthotic inserts and balance braces.
• Don’t smoke—Your circulation system is adversely affected by smoking, which increases many threats to your health, including an exacerbation of diabetic complications.

If you are experiencing foot and ankle problems due to diabetes, see your podiatrist for the care you need. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.