The Importance of Foot Care for Diabetics
- posted: Jul. 12, 2024
Are you or a loved one living with diabetes? Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates of Boise, Nampa & Meridian, ID offer personalized, effective, and quality diabetic foot care.
Importance of Foot Care for Diabetics
Diabetes can be a hard condition to manage, as it can impact so many areas of the body and your health. One of the many areas impacted is the feet. In the guide below, Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates in Boise, Nampa & Meridian, ID share how the feet are impacted and why diabetic foot care is so important.
Impact of Diabetes On the Feet
The feet are at the center of most of your activities. Every time you walk, run, stand, or climb stairs, your feet support your weight and movement. It’s not unusual for them to develop cuts, blisters, and other wounds.
For most people, minor wounds aren’t a big deal. They are aware that the wound is there and treat it as necessary. Unfortunately, diabetics don’t have that same luxury.
Diabetes affects both the nerves and blood flow. The nerves are necessary for feeling sensations, and blood flow is necessary for healing. Think about a paper cut, for example. You feel it, but blood rushes to the area, fills it to prevent infection, and kickstarts the healing process.
When blood flow is restricted, wounds that occur on a diabetic’s foot aren’t getting that protection or that healing process. Instead, the wound remains open and vulnerable to dangerous elements.
That portion of the issue might not be so bad if they knew the wound was there and treated it. Unfortunately, due to damaged nerves, diabetics feel nothing. The wound goes untreated and worsens, eventually leading to an infection.
The Role of Foot Care
Foot care for diabetics includes both at-home care and professional care. Keeping your feet clean, dried, moisturized, and inspected daily helps reduce the likelihood of infections. Visiting your podiatrist regularly ensures a thorough check-up, proper treatment for wounds and infections, assessment of nerve damage, and personalized treatment techniques to improve and protect the health of your feet.
Learn more about diabetic foot care by visiting Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates in Boise, Nampa & Meridian, ID. Schedule an appointment at our Boise office at (208) 327-0627, our Nampa/Caldwell office at (208) 463-1660, or our Meridian office at (208) 888-9876.
- posted: Jul. 12, 2024
Are you or a loved one living with diabetes? Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, and Dr. Boyd Andrews at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates of Boise, Nampa & Meridian, ID offer personalized, effective, and quality diabetic foot care.
Importance of Foot Care for Diabetics
Diabetes can be a hard condition to manage, as it can impact so many areas of the body and your health. One of the many areas impacted is the feet. In the guide below, Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates in Boise, Nampa & Meridian, ID share how the feet are impacted and why diabetic foot care is so important.
Impact of Diabetes On the Feet
The feet are at the center of most of your activities. Every time you walk, run, stand, or climb stairs, your feet support your weight and movement. It’s not unusual for them to develop cuts, blisters, and other wounds.
For most people, minor wounds aren’t a big deal. They are aware that the wound is there and treat it as necessary. Unfortunately, diabetics don’t have that same luxury.
Diabetes affects both the nerves and blood flow. The nerves are necessary for feeling sensations, and blood flow is necessary for healing. Think about a paper cut, for example. You feel it, but blood rushes to the area, fills it to prevent infection, and kickstarts the healing process.
When blood flow is restricted, wounds that occur on a diabetic’s foot aren’t getting that protection or that healing process. Instead, the wound remains open and vulnerable to dangerous elements.
That portion of the issue might not be so bad if they knew the wound was there and treated it. Unfortunately, due to damaged nerves, diabetics feel nothing. The wound goes untreated and worsens, eventually leading to an infection.
The Role of Foot Care
Foot care for diabetics includes both at-home care and professional care. Keeping your feet clean, dried, moisturized, and inspected daily helps reduce the likelihood of infections. Visiting your podiatrist regularly ensures a thorough check-up, proper treatment for wounds and infections, assessment of nerve damage, and personalized treatment techniques to improve and protect the health of your feet.
Learn more about diabetic foot care by visiting Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Andrews at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates in Boise, Nampa & Meridian, ID. Schedule an appointment at our Boise office at (208) 327-0627, our Nampa/Caldwell office at (208) 463-1660, or our Meridian office at (208) 888-9876.