Daily Habits That Are Important for Diabetic Foot Health

If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet is more than just a tiny part of your everyday life. If you don't take care of your feet, you could end up with problems that make it hard to move around, be independent, and stay healthy. The good news is that minor, regular activities can help maintain your feet healthy and stop issues before they start. You may avoid infections and long-term harm by doing simple things like checking your feet every day, keeping them clean, and choosing the right shoes. We tell our patients at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute to make these practices a part of their daily lives since the greatest treatment is to avoid problems in the first place.

Daily Checks: A Small Step with a Big Effect

It may not seem like a big deal to look at your feet every day, but it's one of the best ways to avoid problems. Find a place with good lighting and spend a few minutes looking closely at both of your feet. You can use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet, or you can ask a family member for help. You're looking for tiny changes like cuts, blisters, swelling, or red spots. At first, these may not seem like a big deal, but they can quickly become significant if you don't recognize them.

Being consistent is very important. Try to connect your foot check to something you do every day, like getting dressed in the morning or brushing your teeth at night. This habit will become second nature over time, offering you peace of mind and an early warning if something is amiss. Patients who keep a tiny notebook or take fast pictures of their feet find it easier to notice small changes over time, which makes it easier to talk about their worries when they see the doctor.

Seeing the Signs Early

There are some signs that need to be looked at right away during these daily checkups. If you have redness that doesn't go away, swelling that doesn't go away, or fluid drainage, you may have an infection. Neuropathy is a disorder that makes it harder for you to sense pain or changes in temperature. Tingling or numbness might be a sign of this. People with diabetes may not detect little cuts and scrapes until they get worse because they can't feel them.

You should also be worried about calluses, corns, or thick patches of skin since they can turn into ulcers if not treated. Changes in skin tone, especially bluish or black spots, may also be a sign of circulation difficulties. If you know what is normal for your feet, it will be easier to tell when something is wrong. If you see any of these changes, the best thing to do is to call your foot and ankle expert right away.

The Importance of Wearing the Right Shoes

Your shoes are very important for keeping your feet safe. People with diabetes generally wear shoes with a wider toe box, softer materials that don't irritate the skin, and more cushioning that absorbs pressure while they walk. Fungal infections are less likely to happen when you wear breathable textiles. Supportive insoles and shock-absorbing soles make your feet more stable and comfortable. Some shoes are even created to fit custom orthotics, which can be quite useful if you already have bunions, hammertoes, or other structural problems.

You should always take your time breaking in new shoes. Wear them for short periods of time at home at first, and then gradually extend the time as your feet get used to them. Keep an eye out for hot patches or places where your skin rubs together, as these can easily evolve into blisters.

Adding soft padding or protective inserts during the time of adjustment can assist reduce friction.

Picking the appropriate shoes may seem like a simple thing, but it might help you avoid problems for a long time.

Hygiene habits every day

Another important part of diabetic foot care is to wash your feet every day. Use warm, not hot, water and mild soap. Don't forget to clean between your toes. Make sure to dry it all the way, especially in the places where moisture tends to stay. This stops fungi from growing and keeps your skin healthy. It's also crucial to keep your skin moisturized since dry or cracked skin lets bacteria in. Putting on a fragrance-free foot cream after a shower will keep your skin soft, but don't put lotion between your toes because too much moisture might cause problems.

Don't forget to take care of your nails. Cut your toenails straight across to lower the chance of their growing in. If you can't reach or see your feet well, make an appointment with a podiatrist for regular nail treatment. Not only does professional trimming keep your nails and skin healthy, but it also keeps them from getting worse.

The Hidden Link Between Blood Sugar and Foot Health

Controlling your blood sugar is very important for the health of your feet. High blood sugar levels can hurt nerves and blood vessels, which can cause neuropathy and bad circulation. Your body has a harder time healing even small cuts when your blood flow is low. This is why persons with diabetes are more likely to get ulcers and infections, and these can be more serious. So, taking care of your feet every day is just as important as controlling your blood sugar with food, exercise, and medicine.

Foods that are high in nutrients can also aid. Antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins protect nerves and blood vessels. Foods high in fiber help keep blood sugar levels constant. Water is just as crucial for circulation, so make sure you drink it every day. Good nutrition and regular blood sugar checks work together to keep your feet safe from the inside out.

Exercise and Strength for Healthy Feet Being active is a great way to keep your feet healthy. Walking, swimming, and biking all help blood flow without putting too much strain on your joints.

Gentle stretching and yoga can also help you stay balanced and flexible, which can lower your risk of falling. Exercises that make your ankles and arches stronger help you stay active while also reducing pain or strain. Even little spurts of activity every day can help your circulation and make your feet stronger in the long run.

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Even if your feet look healthy, you still need to see your foot and ankle expert regularly. Your clinician may check your feeling, circulation, skin health, and alignment during an exam. Finding problems early makes it possible to cure them more quickly, which stops small problems from becoming big ones. Our team at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute focuses on preventive care since it lowers the chances of ulcers, infections, and even amputations.

You can make a foot care plan that fits your lifestyle by working with your healthcare team. You and your partner will create objectives, make changes as needed, and make sure you stay on track with your long-term health.

Last Thoughts

You don't need to do a lot to take care of your feet every day, but you do need to do it every day. Daily checks of your habits, smart shoe choices, good hygiene, and healthy lifestyle choices can save you from getting issues that could make it hard for you to be independent. Taking care of your feet not only keeps them healthy, but it also makes your life better. We at the Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute believe that being aware is the first step in preventing problems. Every step you take toward improved foot care is a step toward long-term health.

Idaho FAQ: How to Keep Your Diabetic Feet Healthy

If I have diabetes, what everyday practices can I do to keep my feet safe?

Checking your feet for cuts or blisters, washing and drying them well, putting on moisturizer to keep them from cracking, and wearing shoes that are comfortable and supportive are all daily activities that can help lower your risk of issues.

How often should I go to the foot doctor in Idaho for diabetes care?

People with diabetes should see a podiatrist at least once a year, and more often if they experience sores, infections, or changes in how their feet feel. Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle in Idaho offers specialist diabetic foot care that is personalized to your needs.

Where can I find foot care for diabetics in Idaho?

Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle provides full diabetic foot treatment to everyone in the Treasure Valley area. Their team helps patients avoid problems by giving them preventive care, managing wounds, and making treatment plans.

What indicators should I look for that might mean I have diabetic foot problems?

Be on the lookout for redness, swelling, sores that won't heal, skin color changes, or numbness. Call a podiatrist in Idaho right away if you see these signs to avoid bigger problems.

Is a diabetic foot exam covered by Medicare or insurance in Idaho?

Most insurance companies, including Medicare, will pay for yearly foot tests for diabetics if they are medically required. The staff at Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle can help you find out if your insurance covers the procedure and explain your alternatives.

Can improved control of my blood sugar make my feet healthier?

Yes. Keeping blood sugar in a healthy level minimizes the chance of nerve damage and circulation difficulties, both of which are important causes of problems with diabetic feet.