Find out why your foot health should be important to you, especially if you have diabetes.

Managing your diabetes and the health of your feet should go hand in hand. After all, there are so many ways that diabetes can impact the health of your feet if you aren’t careful. This includes reducing blood flow and sensation, and also damaging nerves and blood vessels. If you are already experiencing symptoms of numbness or tingling, it is important that you visit your Manteca, CA podiatrist Dr. Jack Andrew Harvey regularly for routine exams.

Inspect and Detect

Since those with diabetes are more likely to develop foot complications, it’s always important that you examine your feet each day so the issue is caught early before it becomes serious. When you check your feet, make sure to look at all areas of the foot (including between the toes).
Look for problems such as:

• Blisters
• Sores
• Bruises
• Cuts
• Swelling
• Redness
• Dry or cracked skin

It’s imperative that if you notice any of these issues, that you see your Manteca foot doctor Dr. Harvey right away. Do not try to handle these problems by yourself, as any of them could quickly turn into an infection.

Keep Them Clean

In addition to examining your feet each day, you should also be thoroughly cleaning your feet (just standing in the shower is not enough). Always check the water with your hand before getting in, especially if you have a loss of sensation in your feet. You’ll want to make sure that the water is warm, but not hot! Wash all areas of your feet and once you are done be sure to dry them thoroughly. If you are prone to dry feet this is a great time to apply a moisturizer.

Healthy and Trim

Also, you should be trimming your toenails regularly! Talk to your podiatrist in Manteca if you aren’t sure how to trim your toenails properly. Trimming your toenails after you shower is the best time since your nails will already be soft. Always trim nails straight across, as curved nails are prone to developing ingrown toenails. We can also trim your toenails for you if you can’t.

Don’t let diabetes affect your feet. Turn to San Joaquin Foot & Ankle in Manteca, CA, whether it’s scheduling a routine exam or you have concerns about your health. We are here for you!