The end of the year tends to be a season of gratitude; not only with Thanksgiving but in all of our other gatherings with friends and family as well. Something that might get forgotten in all the bustle are the things that get us to these warm gatherings. It’s especially during busy times, however, that we should be paying extra respect to our feet—especially if we live with the effects of diabetes.
Daily diabetic foot care does not need to be complicated. For starters, make sure to wash your feet every day with warm water and a mild soap that agrees with your skin. Soaking your feet is not recommended, thought, as it might cause the skin to break down and open your feet more to infection. In fact, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly after bathing them, paying special attention to where water can gather between the toes.
Drying your feet is also a great time to get into the habit of a daily inspection. Check the tops and bottoms of your feet for any signs of injury or trouble, such as cuts that aren’t healing, blisters, or dry skin. A moisturizing lotion can help with dryness, but check in with a professional about any other problems.
You can also pamper your feet with protection. Invest in comfortable, well-fitting shoes that don’t need to be broken in and don’t rub against any part of your feet. Nice, warm cotton or wool socks can also provide additional covering when walking around at home.
Showing gratitude for the small things about your feet can help prevent big problems down the road. Bloomington podiatrist Dr. Kevin Powers can serve in your corner when it comes to comprehensive diabetic foot care, providing expert care and advice to fit your specific needs. Call us at (812) 333-4422 to set an appointment with us today.
