Diabetic Winter Foot Care: 7 Tips
Each winter, approximately 15-20% of people who have diabetes are taken to the hospital because of a foot infection or ulcer. In some cases, these foot issues even result in amputation. Because November is Diabetes Awareness Month, today Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is sharing 7 tips to care for diabetic feet this winter.
Trim your toenails properly. Infected or untrimmed toenails are a common cause of ulcers and infections and can possibly lead to amputation. Ask your podiatrist regarding the correct way to cut your toenails or make an appointment for him/her to cut them for you.
Wear the right footwear. The dampness and cold of winter, together with diminished circulation in your feet, can elevate your risk for a diabetic foot ulcer. To prevent this, make sure your winter boots and shoes provide protection from snow and ice, proper padding, and warmth.
Apply a good moisturizer to your feet. Diabetic nerve damage and diminished circulation can cause the glands that moisturize your feet to malfunction. The dry heat of winter can worsen dryness and lead to your skin breaking down. When you examine your feet, watch for red, shiny areas which could indicate a problem.
Examine your feet daily. If you are diabetic, you need to examine your feet every day. Carefully inspect all the pressure areas of your feet and between your toes. Look for discharge, changes in color, changes in odor, painful calluses, or corns, or breaks in the skin. Let your podiatrist know about any changes you find.
Monitor your blood sugar. Your feet take much of the daily wear and tear of your body, so they are one of the first places insufficient diabetes control will happen. Work with your doctor to control your blood sugar, maintain your weight, monitor your diet, avoid smoking, and exercise regularly.
Keep your feet dry and warm. Strolling through puddles or snow can cause dangerously damp feet for a person living with diabetes. When your feet get wet, you need to dry them completely, especially between your toes. Examine your feet for areas that are pale, which could mean they still contain too much dampness.
Avoid burns on your feet. Diabetic nerve damage in your feet can make keeping them warm risky because you may not feel it when they’re getting hazardously hot. Be very careful when using hot soaks, heating pads, warming your feet on a radiator, or electric blankets. You could severely burn your feet and not be aware of it.
If you need help with your diabetic foot care, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland, at (410) 761-3501.