🦶 November is Diabetes Awareness Month! 🩺 As podiatrists, we know foot health is essential for managing diabetes—take a moment this month to check in on your feet and prioritize proactive care. 👣 #DiabetesAwareness #FootHealth #Podiatry #FFLC
Joe Altepeter
Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS
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November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, an annual reminder of the importance of diabetes management and the prevention of its complications. For individuals with diabetes, foot health often becomes a critical area of concern. This month is an opportunity to highlight the vital role that podiatrists play in preventing and managing diabetes-related foot issues, which, if left unchecked, can lead to severe complications. Here’s why foot health should be top of mind for anyone managing diabetes, and a helpful checklist to keep diabetic feet healthy year-round.
Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
Diabetes impacts the feet in unique and complex ways. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to neuropathy (nerve damage) and reduced circulation, making it difficult to detect injuries and allowing
wounds to heal slowly. For those with diabetes, even a minor blister can turn into a serious infection, sometimes leading to amputation if untreated. Regular podiatric check-ups and daily foot care practices are key for prevention and management.
The Role of Podiatrists in Diabetic Care
Podiatrists are experts in lower limb health and play a crucial role in diabetes management by helping prevent foot complications. Through regular evaluations, podiatrists assess circulation, nerve function, and skin integrity in the feet, looking for any early signs of potential issues. A podiatrist can recommend customized treatment plans, wound care, footwear solutions, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to each individual’s needs.
Diabetic Foot Complications to Watch For
- Diabetic Neuropathy: Neuropathy reduces sensation in the feet, making it difficult to feel pain, heat, or cold. This loss of sensation means minor injuries may go unnoticed and untreated.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) restricts blood flow to the lower limbs, impairing wound healing and increasing infection risk. Poor circulation can slow down the immune response, complicating infections and making them harder to treat.
- Infections and Ulcers: Cuts, blisters, and calluses can quickly become infected due to decreased immune function in diabetics. Ulcers, or open sores, are particularly dangerous and can lead to more severe complications.
- Charcot Foot: This serious condition results in the weakening of bones and joints in the foot. Podiatrists closely monitor for early signs, as Charcot foot can lead to deformity if not promptly treated.
Importance of Routine Check-ups with your Podiatrist
Monthly or quarterly visits to a podiatrist can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Podiatrists use advanced tools to monitor circulation, identify nerve damage, and assess the skin for pressure points or early-stage ulcers. Early detection allows for interventions that can prevent issues from escalating. Furthermore, podiatrists are skilled in educating diabetic patients on proper foot care practices and often recommend diabetic-friendly footwear to provide added support and protection.
Foot Care Checklist for Diabetic Patients
To help you maintain optimal foot health, here’s a checklist of daily and weekly practices every diabetic individual should follow. Bring this list to your next podiatric visit for personalized recommendations.
Daily Foot Care Checklist:
– Inspect Your Feet: Look at your feet daily for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or nail issues. Use a mirror or ask for assistance if you cannot see the bottom of your feet.
– Wash and Moisturize: Clean your feet with warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Pat them dry, especially between the toes. Apply a moisturizer to prevent dry, cracked skin but avoid applying it between your toes to reduce moisture buildup.
– Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with a roomy toe box, soft insoles, and ample cushioning. Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors, to prevent injuries. Diabetic shoes or inserts may provide additional protection.
– Check Your Socks: Opt for Seamless, moisture-wicking socks to reduce friction and keep feet dry. Avoid tight-fitting or thick socks that may restrict circulation.
– Trim Nails Carefully: Trim toenails straight across and smooth the edges to avoid ingrown nails. If you have vision or mobility issues, have a podiatrist handle this task.
Weekly Foot Care Checklist:
– File Calluses and Corns Gently: If you have calluses or corns, gently file them with a pumice stone after a bath. Avoid cutting them or using over-the counter removal products, which can be too harsh and lead to wounds.
– Check Shoe Fit: Feet can change size, and poorly fitted shoes can cause blisters and calluses. Make sure shoes fit well and inspect them for any wear that could cause friction.
– Rotate Footwear: Wear different pairs of shoes to relieve pressure points and prevent irritation. Allow shoes to air out between uses to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
– Monthly Foot Care Checklist:
– Examine Shoes for Wear and Tear: Worn-out shoes increase the risk of blisters and foot injuries. Replace shoes when they show signs of wear or do not provide adequate support.
– Test Water Temperature Before Bathing: Due to neuropathy, diabetic individuals may not feel heat accurately, risking burns. Always test the water with your hand or elbow before soaking your feet.
– Consider Podiatry Visits: Monthly or quarterly check-ups are essential to track any changes in your foot health and address issues early. Your podiatrist can help adjust your care plan as needed.
Diabetes Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder of the proactive steps needed to maintain foot health for those managing diabetes. By following a routine foot care checklist, partnering with a podiatrist, and staying vigilant about changes in your feet, you can prevent complications and enjoy an improved quality of life.
Encourage friends and family members with diabetes to prioritize their foot health this month. Schedule an appointment with a podiatrist, review your daily habits, and take steps to keep your feet healthy.
For your quarterly diabetic foot exam, contact Dr. Altepeter’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com to schedule your appointment online.
For expert care and personalized treatment, contact Family Foot & Leg Center today and let us help 
you get back on your feet, pain-free!
Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling.
