Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects nearly every aspect of your health, including how your feet look, feel, and heal. At Fords Foot and Ankle Care in Fords, New Jersey, Carl Ingrassia, DPM, uses his 30 years of podiatry experience to help you practice essential diabetic foot care. Taking care of your feet is crucial when you have diabetes. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to take the first step toward maintaining healthy feet.

Why is diabetic foot care important?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that can weaken your body’s blood vessels, including in your feet. Over time, these injuries can lead to nerve damage, making it difficult to feel pain from wounds. Diabetes also slows healing. Without proper care, diabetes can increase the risk of severe foot complications, impair your mobility, and ultimately diminish your quality of life.

What happens if I don’t practice diabetic foot care?

Proper foot care can help prevent complications from diabetes, such as:

Ulcers and infections

Impaired blood flow, high blood sugar levels, and neuropathy (nerve damage) can increase your risk of foot ulcers. An ulcer is an open wound that struggles to heal properly. These ulcers can easily become infected, leading to more serious complications.

Delayed healing

Diabetes slows the body's natural healing processes. Even minor injuries, such as blisters, corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails, can take longer to heal, leaving them vulnerable to infection.

Pain insensitivity

Neuropathy can result in a loss of sensation in the feet. Once neuropathy develops, you might not even realize when you have a foot injury or infection.

Amputation risk

Left untreated, diabetic foot complications can worsen to the point where amputation, or limb removal, becomes necessary. 

What does podiatric diabetic foot care involve?

Professional podiatric care plays a significant role in managing foot health for people with diabetes. Part of your podiatric care plan may involve:

• Regular foot checkups
• Nerve damage and blood flow assessments
• Wound management
• Foot deformity evaluations
• Custom orthotic shoe inserts
• Patient education

Dr. Ingrassia works with you to develop a personalized plan that helps you practice ongoing diabetic foot care at home.

How can I practice diabetic foot care at home?

Crucial steps to practice good diabetic foot care at home include:

• Keep your feet clean, warm, and dry 
• Wear comfortable, nonrestrictive shoes with roomy toe boxes
• Choose clean, dry socks without irritating seams
• Protect your feet from exposure while sleeping
• Avoid extreme heat 
• Avoid smoking and tight socks
• Be gentle when drying to avoid skin damage
• Shape toenails straight with an emery board (to prevent ingrown toenails)
• Avoid over-the-counter foot products, which can harm the skin
• Use moisturizer (except between your toes)
• Seek professional care for corns and calluses

As your podiatric partner, Dr. Ingrassia guides and supports you through your diabetic foot care journey. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.