The Importance Of Diabetic Foot Care

It is important for individuals with diabetes to take special care of their feet. Diabetes is associated with poor blood circulation, which can cause foot wounds to heal more slowly. Longer healing times mean there is an increased risk for infection and infections can lead to more serious health problems. Dr. Jimmy Gregory, the experienced podiatrist at our offices in Atlanta, and Decatur, GA, provides diabetic foot care. 

Diabetic Foot Problems

Patients with diabetes need to be diligent when it comes to caring for their feet. If left untreated, even small or minor foot wounds and injuries can lead to more serious problems if an infection develops. Additional foot problems that could potentially develop when not practicing proper foot care include:

• Neuropathy (nerve damage) 
• Calluses or ulcers on the feet
• Charcot’s foot 
• Foot swelling
• Gangrene
• Amputation 

The skilled doctor at our podiatry offices in Atlanta and Decatur, GA, provide diabetic foot care. Dr. Gregory can recommend specific methods and techniques to help you better care for your feet at home.

Caring for Diabetic Feet

There are many things you can do to care for your feet when dealing with diabetes. One of the most important things you can do is check your feet for injuries and wounds daily. Basic first aid measures should be administered to any cuts, scrapes, or other wounds. Tending to injuries and wounds promptly can help prevent infection and promote proper healing. When checking the feet, look for blisters, bruises, scratches, cuts, scrapes, punctures, redness, and ingrown toenails. 

In addition to checking the feet daily, other ways to care for your feet when you have diabetes include:

• Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly
• Wear loose socks to bed
• Moisturize the feet daily
• Keep feet clean, dry, and warm
• Avoid soaking feet in water
• Always wear warm socks and shoes in cold weather
• Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown them from becoming ingrown
• Stretch and move around often throughout the day to improve circulation 

Diabetic foot care is essential to maintaining healthy feet and preventing serious health issues when dealing with diabetes. For diabetic foot care in Atlanta or Decatur, GA, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gregory by calling our Decatur office at (404) 284-7744 or our Atlanta location at (404) 755-2291.