If you have diabetes, your primary care physician likely tells you to take care of your feet. What does that mean, and why is foot care so important? Your San Leandro, CA, podiatrists, Dr. Michael Stein and Dr. Zeineldin Ahmad, ask their diabetic patients to see them at Foot Doctor of the East Bay at least semi-annually for comprehensive podiatric exams, avoiding the many complications this disease causes in the feet and ankles. Learn the reasons behind their concern and how you can take care of your feet.

Diabetes threatens the lower extremities

Because high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes compromise peripheral circulation and nerve function, people who live with this condition are prone to infection, slow healing of wounds, injury, and reduced sensation. The American Heart Association says that diabetics have higher rates of dangerous peripheral artery disease, or PAD, which means the feet and ankles receive far less oxygen and nutrients than normal. Unfortunately, diabetics are at high risk for amputations of the toes, feet, and legs.

What you can do

Partner with your San Leandro podiatrist. He'll recommend strategies which will keep your feet healthy and active. He also provides the best in medical care if something goes wrong. Services include:

• Prescription shoes
• Medical pedicures
• Treatment of diabetic wounds
• Shoe padding
• Orthotics (shoe inserts)
• Physical therapy as needed

At home, make foot care a top priority in your daily routine. It's not hard but takes some thought and patience. Consider adding these practices to your lifestyle:

• Look at your feet every day, checking for scratches, soreness, pressure points, color changes, and variations in the nails
• Wash your feet daily with soap and warm water, and dry them thoroughly between the toes
• Use a quality moisturizer on your feet
• Wear shoes with good support in the arches and room in the toe boxes
• Clip your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails and fungal infections
• Change your socks daily, and be sure they are not bunched up in your shoes, creating pressure points
• Be active, says the American Diabetic Association, but when you do sit, elevate your feet to prevent swelling and improve circulation
• Watch your blood glucose levels
• Don't smoke as it destroys peripheral circulation
• Keep a healthy weight

We want to see you

At Foot Doctor of the East Bay, our San Leandro, CA, podiatrists take a special interest in people with diabetes. If you're one of them, please arrange a routine foot exam. While diabetes can threaten your podiatric health, together we can keep your feet healthy and functional. Call today, won't you? (510) 483-3390.