Tips to Care for Diabetic Feet during the Winter
If you have diabetes, it is important to take good care of your feet. Poor foot care can lead to complications such as nerve damage. Here are some tips to help you care for your feet, especially during the cold months of the year.
Choose the Right Footwear
During the cold weather months, your top priority is probably keeping your feet warm. However, not paying attention to the type of footwear you use could cause complications. It is important that you not only keep your feet warm, but that you find footwear that does not restrict the flow of blood to the feet.
Opt for shoes that are not composed of man-made materials. Man-made materials like plastic tend to lock in moisture, which can lead to the development of sores and allow harmful bacteria to grow.
Check Your Feet Daily
It is important that you inspect your feet each day. Look for signs of complications, such as calluses, discharge, or redness. If you notice any of these signs, it is important that you see your podiatrist. These signs could point to an underlying problem, such as nerve damage.
Avoid Overheating Your Feet
If you have already experienced nerve damage in your feet, you might find it difficult to keep your feet warm during the cold weather months. If you are using heating pads, warm water soaks, and electric blankets in an effort to keep your feet warm, it is important that you are careful not to overheat your feet.
Overheating your feet can possibly lead to a burn. As a diabetic, a burn can be particularly problematic since it is more difficult for your wounds to heal. If you do suffer a burn, contact your podiatrist as soon as possible.
Watch Your Blood Sugar Levels
The most important thing you can do to keep your feet in good health throughout the winter is to work on controlling your blood sugar levels. Try to eat healthy, exercise, and take your medications as prescribed. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation programs. Taking care of yourself will not only be beneficial to your feet, but your overall health.
Caring for your feet during the winter months is not that difficult, but it does take some time and effort. Talk to your podiatrist about other ways you can ensure that your feet are healthy all winter long. Remember to let a podiatrist, like one from Advanced Foot Clinic, know if you experience any problems immediately.