4 Ways to Avoid Diabetic Foot Ulcers

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re probably aware that foot problems are common. John Hovorka, MD, Cynthia Salinas, MD, and our team at Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, are proud to offer the following information to help residents of McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, improve and embrace diabetic foot care. 

What are diabetic foot ulcers?

One of the ways diabetes can affect your body is by limiting normal circulation. Another is reducing peripheral nerve function, meaning you can’t always feel things in your lower legs and feet. People with diabetes can sustain cuts, scrapes, blisters, and other skin disruptions on their feet — and have no idea because they don’t feel the wound when it happens. 

Poor circulation means your body can’t repair damaged tissues on your feet as quickly as it normally would. Something as simple as a torn cuticle or minor foot scrape can rapidly develop into a diabetic foot ulcer, or an open sore that worsens faster than your body heals it. 

Reduce your risk of diabetic ulcers

Foot ulcers increase your risk of infection and make it difficult to stay active. Here are some steps you can take to avoid diabetic foot ulcers. 

1. Schedule routine diabetic foot care

One of the best ways to keep your feet healthy and happy is partnering with a trusted medical practitioner who specializes in diabetes management and diabetic foot care. Periodic office visits not only ensure that your diabetes treatment plan is effective, but also provide a chance for your practitioner to check your feet for signs of tissue damage. 

2. Daily foot inspections

Establishing new habits is challenging, but when it comes to diabetic foot care, embracing daily foot checks can pay off in numerous ways. Set aside some time each day to perform a quick foot check; after an evening bath or shower is often ideal. 

Check your feet for redness, swelling, cuts, scratches, blisters, or any other signs of damage. If you can’t see the tops, bottoms, and both sides of your feet, consider using a mirror or asking a loved one for help. 

Once you’re examining your feet every day, you’ll quickly learn what’s normal and what isn’t, making it easy to detect changes. Treat small cuts, blisters, and scrapes with an antibacterial ointment and bandage, but if they don’t heal rapidly, come in for an exam and treatment. 

3. Evaluate your footwear choices

Just as your shoes can do wonders to support and protect your feet, the wrong footwear can cause numerous problems. Wearing shoes that are too tight or place pressure on your toes or other areas of your feet can increase your risk of developing foot ulcers. 

Your specialist can help you find custom orthotics that you wear inside your shoes. These devices change the distribution of weight across your feet while walking and standing. There are also special shoes designed just for people with diabetes. 

4. Clean and moisturize your feet daily

Take time to thoroughly clean your feet during your daily bath or shower. Pay attention to the bottoms of your feet and between your toes. Many people find it relaxing to use a soft brush or special shower mat to gently scrub and cleanse their feet at the end of each day. 

Once you’ve dried your body, take a few moments to thoroughly dry your feet. Next, use a high quality moisturizer to prevent dry skin and reduce your risk of calluses. This is the ideal time to perform your daily foot inspection as you care for your feet. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help

Diabetics should never ignore any skin changes on their feet, no matter how minor they may seem. Pay close attention to how your body reacts to blisters, cuts, or sores, and don’t hesitate to schedule an in-office visit if you’re concerned about a slow-healing ulcer. 

Diabetic foot care is just one aspect of managing diabetes. But when you consider how essential your feet are to your mobility and independence, it makes sense to incorporate these simple foot care steps into your routine. 

To learn more about diabetic foot care, schedule a visit at your nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office in McAllen, Rio Grande City, or Raymondville, Texas. Our team is always here to offer expert guidance and support.