How your podiatrists in Louisville, KY, can help with diabetic feet
Having diabetes can be challenging, especially because the condition attacks so many of your body’s systems. This is especially true for your feet. Fortunately, the podiatrists here at Kentucky/Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists offer a full range of footcare services, including diabetic foot care. With several convenient office locations in Louisville, Elizabethtown, Bardstown, and Bowling Green, KY, as well as New Albany, IN, they're here to help you—read on to learn how!
More about diabetes
If you have diabetes, you’re not alone. In fact, over 29 million people in the United States suffer from the condition, according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes is a harsh disease, with the ability to greatly affect your immune, circulatory, and nervous systems, all of which can create grave consequences for the health of your feet:
- Immune system problems cause your body to not heal well. That means if you get a small blister or cut, it can turn into a large, painful ulcer on your foot.
- Circulatory system problems cause a lack of adequate blood flow, especially to your feet and toes. This means that your soft tissue can die, resulting in amputations.
- Nervous system problems cause you to lose feeling in your feet and toes, often leading to chronic nerve pain, a condition called peripheral neuropathy. That means you may not feel it if you injure your feet or toes.
There are several things you should be doing to take care of your feet if you have diabetes. Remember to:
- Do foot and toe exercises to boost circulation
- Examine your feet and toes daily for any injuries, cuts, or blisters
- Wash, dry, and moisturize your feet and toes daily to keep your skin from drying out
- Apply antiseptic and bandage any open sores or cuts
- Always wear comfortable shoes and avoid going barefoot
You should also visit your podiatrist regularly for a professional foot examination, as this can prevent a minor foot or toe issue from becoming a major problem.
Concerned? Give us a call
To learn more about how to care for your diabetic feet, then call the podiatrists at Kentucky/Indiana Foot and Ankle Specialists, with offices in Louisville, Elizabethtown, Bardstown, and Bowling Green, KY, as well as New Albany, IN. Call now to take care of your feet!