Taking care of your feet is always highly encouraged no matter what age. But if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, maintaining your foot health for aging feet is crucial. Diabetes can cause numerous foot complications and health concerns such as foot ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, cracked heels, and decreased circulation.
In order to prevent these serious risks from affecting your foot health, Chiropodist Tony Abbott recommends the following foot care tips you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.
- Examine your feet regularly. Look for any skin changes, open sores, dry cracks, callouses and corns, or ingrown toenails. The earlier you notice any abnormal changes to your feet, the better chance you have for proper treatment in preventing a serious condition from developing or worsening.
- Trim your toenails regularly and straight across. Curved toenails can increase your risk for the nail to dig into the nail bed, which can develop into an ingrown toenail.
- Wash your feet daily. Thoroughly cleanse your feet and dry them so no moisture is left in between your toes, which can cause an infection. To prevent dry cracks from developing, apply plenty of moisturizer on your feet after washing. Make sure to only apply moisturizer on the tops and bottoms of your feet – not between your toes.
- Avoid going barefoot. Always wear footwear even if you’re in your house. By doing this you will prevent any cuts from occurring that might develop into possible infection.
- Never attempt to cut corns or callouses yourself. If you’re suffering from either condition, visit our office to have Tony properly remove the corn or callous without risk of hurting your feet.
- Speak up! Don’t belittle a foot complication you’ve been experiencing. Contact our office to set up an appointment with Tony if you’re unsure about a foot problem. You will receive the right evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for you condition.
Aging is inevitable, but you can take action to prevent aging diabetes related foot problems from affecting your life! For more information about diabetic foot complications, please visit our website or call our office today.
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