Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels rise higher than normal. Over time, having too much sugar in your blood can cause serious foot problems. Although diabetes has no cure, you can take steps to manage your diabetes and keep your feet healthy. Led by Dr. Zeineldin Ahmad and Dr. Michael Stein, Foot Doctor of the East Bay (offices in San Leandro, CA, Pleasanton, CA, and Los Gatos, CA) offers a full range of podiatric services. Here are 7 foot-care tips all diabetics should know.

1. Examine your feet daily. Stay a step ahead of diabetes-related foot complications by checking your feet every day. Search for problems such as redness, calluses, blisters, corns, cuts, sores, swelling, ingrown nails, or any other changes to the nails or skin. Look for signs of decreased blood flow, such as temperature variation, shiny or thin skin, and abnormal hairlessness.

2. Wash your feet daily. Washing your feet will keep your feet bacteria free. Wash your feet every day in lukewarm (not hot) water. Always check bath water with your wrist to make sure it's not too hot. Use a mild soap. Wash all areas of your feet, especially under your toes and between them. Don’t soak your feet. Dry your feet completely after washing and pay special attention to drying between the toes.

3. Keep your skin soft. Use a diabetic foot cream or skin moisturizer every day to keep your skin soft, prevent cracking. Cracking occurs when skin becomes extremely dry. Apply a thin coat of diabetic foot cream or skin moisturizer on the tops and bottoms of your feet. But don't moisturize between the toes.The extra moisture between the toes can lead to infection.

4. Wear socks and shoes. Wear socks and shoes at all times. Don't walk around barefoot when indoors or outdoors. Choose clean, comfortable socks that fit well. Socks that have no seams are best. Don't wear shoes that leave your toes or heels unprotected open-toed shoes or flip-flops. Check inside your shoes before wearing them. Make sure there are no objects inside before you put them on.

5. Trim your toenails when needed. Trim your toenails after showering, when they're soft. Cut straight across, then smooth the corners with a nail file. This prevents the toenails from growing into the skin. Avoid cutting the corners of the toenails. Keep your toenails at a moderate length. Short toenails are more prone to becoming ingrown nails. have a podiatrist trim your toenails if you cannot reach or your feet.

6. Be more active throughout the day. Regular exercise can improve your health and blood glucose control. Being active also improves blood flow to the feet. Ask your healthcare provider for safe ways to be more active every day. Move more by swimming, dancing, walking, or going bike riding. If you're very active, start slowly. Wear athletic shoes that are made for your activity.

7. See a podiatrist regularly. A podiatrist can help you protect and take care of your feet. Podiatrists are doctors specializing in foot and ankle care, including the treatment of diabetes-related problems. See your podiatrist regularly, even if you don't have any problems with your feet. Get your feet examined by your podiatrist at every visit. Your doctor will play a key role in helping you manage diabetes successfully and avoid foot complications.

When you have diabetes, your feet need a little TLC. Call one of Foot Doctor of the East Bay's offices to schedule an appointment- San Leandro, CA- (510) 483-3390; Pleasanton, CA- (925) 425-9684; Los Gatos, CA- (408) 356-6767. Taking care of your feet can prevent problems before they start!

Corns and calluses may not be dangerous, but they can be painful, unsightly and unpleasant. Chances are, if you develop a corn or callus, you will want to have it removed as soon as possible. Depending on the size and thickness of your corn or callus, you may be able to treat it at home or you may need to visit your San Leandro podiatrist at Foot Doctor of the East Bay, Michael Stein, DPM. Here are a few corn and callus treatments you can try.

1. Switch to Comfortable Shoes

If your corns or calluses are the result of shoes that rub or pinch, make the switch to more comfortable shoes right away. Your shoes should be the correct size, have a low heel and feature a roomy toe box. You may even try sandals for a while to give your feet time and space to recover.

2. Soak in Warm Water

Soften the rough patches of skin by soaking your calluses in warm water. Once your callus is softened, you can gently and gradually remove the top layers with a pumice stone, being careful not to cut your skin. Speak to your San Leandro podiatrist first if you have diabetes, however, as this method may not be a good choice for you.

3. Use Pads or Inserts to Relieve Pressure

If your corn or callus is the result of too much friction, relieve some of the pressure with carefully positioned moleskin pads or shoe inserts. These inserts will help relieve pain and keep the corn or callus from worsening. Inserts are especially helpful for individuals who have foot deformities.

4. Visit Your San Leandro Podiatrist

For corns or calluses that are thick, painful or persistent, a trip to your San Leandro podiatrist Dr. Stein at Foot Doctor of the East Bay may be necessary. He can carefully remove the corn or callus using a procedure called debridement, in which he will carefully remove it layer by layer.

If your hands or feet have unsightly or painful corns or calluses, you don't have to live with them any longer. Try any of the treatment methods listed above or simply call Dr. Stein to have your corns or calluses removed once and for all. Your trusted San Leandro podiatrist, Dr. Stein will have your hands and feet looking and feeling better in no time. Call today!

New research shows that corn plasters which contain salicylic acid is great in treating and preventing foot corns.

Corn plasterswhich contain salicylic acid to remove skin are believed to serve as a temporary solution, along with a visit to the podiatrist for corn removal, according to Daily Mail.

“A cornis hard skin which occurs mainly as a response to excessive pressure, usually over a bony prominence,” explains podiatrist Lorraine Jones, spokesman for the Royal College of Podiatry. Jones adds that corns are much more common in women due to the narrower style of shoes they prefer and wear. “'This may be on the bottom of the foot - and is not uncommon in those who wear heels,” Jones says

Corns of the feet can wreak havoc on your feet, and cause pain from wearing tight enclosed shoes. Luckily corns can be treated and be taken care of with the assistance of a podiatrist like Dr. Michael Stein of Foot Doctor of East Bay. Dr. Stein will find a solution and mitigate pain for all your foot and ankle needs. 

Ways to Prevent Corns

There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:
- Wearing well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Treating corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specified area of the foot. Salicylic acid can help in getting rid of these corns because it dissolves keratin, which is the protein that makes up a fair majority of corns. It is recommended that people with diabetes should not use salicylic acid but should consult with their podiatrist regarding the treatment of corns.

Preventing the Return of Corns

Orthotic shoes can also be an option because they are fitted by a podiatrist and help to prevent the return of corns. They lower friction and lower chances of getting corns, as well as reducing pain overall. Surgery is often never needed, but it is possible in very rare circumstances and in events where the normal treatments do not work.

After receiving treatment, it is important to maintain your foot health and consider your doctor’s recommendations when it comes to long term care and treatment for your feet.

If you have any questions, contact one of our offices located in either San Leandro, Pleasanton, or Los Gatos, CA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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