Diabetic Archives - New England Podiatry

The world of diabetic foot care management is complex. Diabetes has many complications that arise from various happenings in the body, and the feet bear a lot of the brunt. This leaves us, as podiatrists, answering so many diabetic questions.

Because of this, there’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to diabetic foot care. But in this article, we at New England Podiatry Associates are here to set the record straight. Let’s finally bust some major diabetic foot myths together (some of them might even shock you).

Myth 1: I don’t need to check my feet if I don’t have any symptoms

Reality: Nerve damage causes numbness, meaning you may not feel cuts, blisters, or sores. Getting professionally checked on a regular basis, therefore, is imperative.

Myth 2: I should avoid exercise if I have diabetes

Reality: Regular exercise is still extremely important. With proper footwear and precautions, getting the blood pumping is crucial for improving circulation, weight management, and wound healing. Consult your doctor for safe exercise recommendations.

Myth 3: A podiatrist can’t help me with my diabetes management

Reality: While podiatrists primarily focus on the foot and ankle, they can play a supportive role in overall diabetes management, including wound care and looking for signs of problems in non-foot-related areas. Podiatrists also coordinate care with other doctors so that your diabetes is given comprehensive attention.

Myth 4: I heard custom orthotics don’t work well for diabetics

Reality: While orthotics may not cure peripheral neuropathy and return full sensation to your feet, they can crucially help alleviate pressure on wounds, take the edge off your pain, and bring much-needed circulation back to the foot.

Myth 5: Diabetic shoes are the only footwear option for people with diabetes

Reality: While diabetic shoes offer extra protection, you can wear a variety of comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Simply choose shoes with good support, ample toe room, and seamless interiors to avoid friction.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment.

Diabetes affects your entire body, but unfortunately, your feet are particularly vulnerable. The consequences of neglect are severe: According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, diabetic foot ulcers precede roughly half of all lower-limb amputations in people with diabetes.

New England Podiatry Associates is here to help! With proper care and proactive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of complications, and we’ve got a handy list of do’s and don’ts to get you started below.

THE DO’S

DO Prioritize Daily Foot Checks: Inspect your feet thoroughly every day for cuts, blisters, swelling, discoloration, or changes in nail health. Use a mirror for hard-to-reach areas.
DO Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar: Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can contribute to nerve damage and circulation problems in your feet.
DO Wash and Moisturize!: Use lukewarm water and mild soap to cleanse your feet, then dry them thoroughly. Keep everything moisturized to prevent dry, cracked skin, a potential entry point for infections. Avoid excess moisture between the toes: It could lead to fungal infections.
DO Wear Proper Shoes: Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes with good arch support and breathable materials to reduce friction and pressure points, preventing the formation of calluses, blisters, and ulcers.
DO Schedule Regular Podiatric Exams: Your podiatrist can assess circulation, nerve function, and overall foot health, recommending appropriate treatment plans if necessary. The American Diabetes Association recommends diabetic foot exams at least once a year.

THE DON’TS

DON’T Ignore Foot Pain or Changes: Never downplay any pain, numbness, tingling, or changes in appearance in your feet. These could be early signs of a developing problem.
DON’T Walk Barefoot: Even indoors, walking barefoot increases your risk of injury from sharp objects or burns from hot surfaces. Always wear shoes or slippers at home.
DON’T Use Over-the-Counter Corn Removers: These products can irritate the skin and worsen existing problems.
DON’T Smoke: Smoking significantly restricts blood flow, hindering healing and increasing the risk of complications in diabetic feet.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment today.