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| November is American Diabetes Month...a good time to remind any family members with this disease that good foot care must be a part of their overall treatment regimen. Circulatory and nerve damage problems caused by diabetes can leave patients with serious foot ulcers and other conditions that, left untreated, can result in amputation. | |
Help keep your family members on their feet! Anyone with diabetes should follow these guidelines:
1) Inspect your feet daily. Check for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling or nail problems. Call our office to schedule an appointment if you notice any changes in your foot or ankle.
2) Moisturize your feet. Use a moisturizer to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. But DON'T moisturize between the toes - this can lead to increased moisture and may cause a fungal infection or rubbing between the toes.
3) Keep your feet warm and dry. Don't get your feet wet in snow or rain. Wear warm socks and shoes in the winter.
4) Have your feet checked in our office at least once a year or more often if poor blood flow to the foot or nerve damage is present.
Yard Cleanup Can Be Tough On Feet
Fall is the time to clear out the remains of summer gardens from the yard. Keep your feet and ankles safe from injury by following these helpful tips.
Wear appropriate shoes for the task.
No matter how warm it is, don't wear sandals. Wear sturdy leather shoes with support to protect your feet from sharp objects, including the blades of power equipment.
Keep children away from power equipment.
Protect your kids and others from severe trauma. Leaf blowers, power lawn mowers and chain saws should not be left out where kids are playing or where other inexperienced users can have access.
Don't work on wet surfaces.
Don't work on wet surfaces. Ankle sprains and fractures can easily occur from slipping on wet grass or leaves, especially when carrying heavy loads across the yard.
Remember, yard work is workout!
Before starting your yard work, warm up and perform stretching exercises, just as you would before working out at the gym. By stretching prior to activity, you can help avoid stressing muscles and tendons in the foot, ankle and calves.
Enjoy the beautiful fall season but be sure to protect your feet and ankles from yard-work injuries and mishaps. | |
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| This patient information newsletter is courtesy of FootHealthFacts.org |
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