The Importance of Proper Diabetic Foot Care

If you have diabetes, you must make foot care a part of your daily routine. Problems with your feet, including infection, are common among many diabetes patients. If you have questions about diabetic foot care in Mentor, Ashtabula, and Geneva, OH, schedule a visit with Dr. Olusegun Ogunlesi and his professional staff at Axelix Health Consulting.

What Is a Diabetic Foot Infection?

Diabetes can wreak havoc on your feet. The disease can cause nerve damage that may lead to you losing the feeling in your feet. Also, diabetes restricts blood flow to your feet, which makes it harder to heal from injuries or resist infections. Even the smallest cuts can cause serious problems.

Small blisters, cuts, and scrapes that are typically harmless for most people are dangerous to anyone with diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers can form from the smallest injuries, which make your feet more susceptible to pathogens entering your bloodstream.

If the cuts are left untreated, they can lead to a serious infection that will require antibiotic treatment. If the infection spreads, it can lead to pain and discomfort, or in a worst-case scenario, necrosis, and possible foot or leg amputation.

Proper Diabetic Foot Care Tips

If you're diabetic, you must take care of your feet daily. Here are a few guidelines to follow for proper diabetic foot care in Mentor, Ashtabula, and Geneva, OH.

  • Inspect Both Feet Daily- Thoroughly inspect your feet for redness, swelling, nail problems, small cuts, or blisters. Use a small hand mirror to check the bottom of both feet.
  • Don’t Walk Barefoot- By walking barefoot, even at home, you expose yourself to small cuts and scrapes.
  • Keep Feet Dry- Avoid getting your feet wet in the rain or snow and wear warm socks as much as possible during the winter. Wear clean socks daily and keep them dry.
  • Never Self-Treat Calluses or Corns- Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ogunlesi if you have corns or calluses on your feet.
  • Bathe Feet in Lukewarm Water- You should wash your feet thoroughly each day and use lukewarm water — at the same temperature you would use if you're bathing an infant.

If you're experiencing pain, inflammation, or believe you have a foot infection and need diabetic foot care in Mentor, Ashtabula, and Geneva, OH, call Axelix Health Consulting and Dr. Ogunlesi and his professional team at (440) 867-4800.