By Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, DPM
November is American Diabetes Month. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, DPM of the Franklin Foot and Ankle Center/Sandy River Podiatry in Farmington wants to remind people with diabetes that protecting your feet from ulcers is of paramount importance. According to Dr. Johnson, recently board certified by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds and Diabetic Footwear, it is important for all diabetic patients to examine their feet daily, even if you don’t feel any pain. If you can not bend to see all parts of your feet, use a plastic mirror or ask a family member for help. Patients should check for cuts, sores or blisters, redness or swelling, infected or blackened toenails and corns or calluses.
It is important to always take good care of your feet. Wash your feet in warm water, never hot. Avoid soaking your feet more than 2 minutes. Dry your feet well, especially between your toes. Moisturize your feet with lotion right after drying them but avoid applying lotion between the toes.
Keeping your toenails trimmed is extremely important. Always trim nails with clippers and cut straight across. Smooth nails with an emery board. If your nails are thick or yellowed, let your family doctor or foot specialist, such as a podiatrist, do the cutting.
As cold weather approaches, reminds patients to keep your feet away from radiators, fires, portable heaters and even hot water bottles and heating pads. Diabetes my make your feet less sensitive to heat and pain so burns may occur without warning. You should avoid walking barefoot anywhere, even indoors, because you may not notice splinters, pins or needles, etc. that could cut your feet.
If you ever have any concerns about your feet, you should contact your family doctor or foot doctor immediately.
