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Diabetes is a chronic medical problem that can lead to various issues in the body, including ulcers and slow-healing sores — which is why Mesilla Valley Footcare offers diabetic wound care to the community of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Rolando Cadena, DPM, and Clair Cadena Miranda, DPM, provide customized diabetic foot and wound care. To make an appointment with the Mesilla Valley Footcare team, call the office today or request a consultation on the website.
What does diabetes do to the feet?
Diabetes is a chronic medical problem that happens when your body can’t control the glucose in the blood because of too little insulin. The result is high blood sugar levels, which creates various problems in the body.
Living with diabetes means you need to pay extra attention to your feet because of the potential for nerve damage and circulation problems—high levels of glucose cause nerve damage, especially in the lower legs and feet.
Nerve damage means you can’t feel things like temperature changes or injuries, which can quickly turn into infections. Diabetic neuropathy is a common issue that affects the legs and feet.
Blood flow to the legs and feet is impaired with diabetes. Circulation issues make it hard for injuries or cuts to heal correctly, leading to diabetic ulcers.
Why is diabetic foot care critical?
Diabetic foot care is essential for those living with diabetes because of potential nerve and circulation problems. You may have slow-healing wounds and ulcers if you can’t properly care for your feet.
Although living without pain in your legs and feet may seem like a dream, it’s not. The inability to feel pain in your legs and feet can lead to severe injuries, which don’t heal as quickly as they should.
Diabetic ulcers can form and cause serious infections or other issues. In severe cases, you may need to have a toe or foot amputated when diabetes isn’t under control.
How should I perform diabetic foot care?
Avoiding severe problems with your feet is as simple as taking a few simple steps to ensure they stay healthy. Some diabetic may be eligible for diabetic shoes. At our clinic, we will be able to order, fit, and dispense those.
Dr. Cadena and Dr. Miranda offer the following tips for diabetic foot care, which include:
- Check your feet daily
- Cut your nails carefully
- Wear well-fitted shoes
- Don’t remove corns yourself
- Wear socks to bed
- Wash your feet in warm water
- Moisturize your feet, except between the toes
- Shake out your shoes before putting them on
Avoid going barefoot, even in the house, when you have diabetes. You could step on a stone or nail and not know it, leading to severe issues and infection.
To learn more diabetic foot care tips, call the Mesilla Valley Footcare team today or request a consultation on the website.