Why is foot care so important when people have diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of conditions that affect how your body involves sugar for fuel. It can impact different areas of the body, with one of the most well-known areas affected being the feet. Diabetics can have problems with nerve damage and blood flow that can harm their feet. There are two essential foot conditions that patients with diabetes have are diabetic peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition that affects nerves and results in damage to the nerves when sugar levels are elevated in diabetes. A patient with neuropathy may experience complete numbness or tingling sensation in the feet which may be warning signs of more serious trouble.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease is also known as Peripheral Arterial Disease(PAD). It is the result of a narrowing of the blood vessels from the heart to the legs resulting in decreased blood flow to the feet. If you maintain healthy blood flow then you should not smoke, exercise regularly, well-fitting shoes, and more it help blood flow through the legs.

Here are a few things you can do to help ensure your feet are healthy:

• Inspect your feet daily

• Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water, not hot water

• Moisturize your feet

• Never cut corns or calluses at home

• Always wear clean, dry socks and proper fitting shoes

• Keep your feet warm and dry

• Do not smoke

If you have diabetes and are looking for the best and experienced podiatrist or affordable foot care in Phoenix, AZ and their surrounding areas contact Valley Foot Care, Inc. They are board-certified podiatrists to treat the lower leg, ankle, and foot from just below the knee to the toes. They use the latest technology in digital custom orthotic casting to make custom arch supports that are unique to your feet.