Specialized Summer Foot Care for Diabetics

It's hard to believe that flip flops and beach time could be anything but relaxing, but when it comes to patients dealing with diabetes, baring summer toes can be risky. Because foot-related complications are common in diabetes, proper summer foot care is a must. Due to possible nerve damage in the feet, a diabetic may not even realize that he/she has sustained an injury until it has turned into an ulcer or severe infection.

To enjoy the summer months while protecting feet from danger, diabetic patients should:

• Be vigilant about glucose levels. Taking required medications and maintaining healthy blood sugar helps to protect diabetics from the impact of foot injury.
• Avoid walking barefoot, even at home. Wearing shoes is as important as controlling your glucose. Walking barefoot increases the chance of stepping on a sharp object or burning a foot on the pavement -- which could result in a dangerous or even limb-threatening infection for severe diabetics.
• Invest in proper footwear. No one wants to overpay for shoes, but Kayal Orthopaedic Center's board-certified podiatrist urges diabetic patients to choose their shoes carefully. Shoes that are too tight or too loose may cause blisters, calluses and other skin conditions, and these can lead to advanced infection if not noticed -- and properly treated.
• Inspect summer feet daily. Each day before putting on shoes (or socks), take a close look at your feet. Remember to check between toes and around the back of the heel for cuts, cracks or other injuries.
• See your podiatrist regularly. Kayal Orthopaedic Center's board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Chad W. Rappaport, DPM, FACFAS, is an expert in diabetic foot and wound care. Scheduling regular visits with Dr. Rappaport helps to ensure diabetic foot health and protect patients from unforeseen skin damage and infection. Dr. Rappaport can also help diabetic patients safely remove corns, warts and calluses. If you're suffering from these conditions, do not use over-the-counter products or attempt to treat them, yourself!  

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