If you have diabetes, you know it can have impacts from head to toe. We encourage you to keep your eyes on your feet, and we’re here to help. Peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease are the most common concerns for podiatrists helping patients manage this condition. There are other conditions, too. People may experience the increased occurrence of fungal toenails, athlete’s foot, calluses, foot ulcers, ingrown toenails, and more.
Don’t allow a long list of potential foot conditions to cause panic. Relax. There is help from your podiatrist. We recommend that everyone managing their diabetes adds a foot and ankle specialist to their care team. The PediFix team also supports you with a few products to help you find relief.
Dry skin
If you have diabetes, you are most likely managing dry skin. One of the biggest concerns is when the skin cracks. Now, there is an opening for germs and bacteria. To keep your feet clean, check out our Diabetic Defense® Daily Therapy Foot Wash.
To keep your skin moisturized, we recommend our Diabetic Defense® Daily Therapy Foot Moisturizer.
Nerve damage
Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, can have some concerning effects. One example is that a person may not realize their socks are too tight. When socks are pushing into the skin, they can impact circulation, which can be very uncomfortable. Try our SeamLess™ Everyday Socks or our SeamLess™ OverSized Socks, Stretch Socks™. They both offer anti-bacterial protection, too!
Ways to Reduce Your Risk
A diabetes diagnosis does not mean you must deal with all of the above complications at one time. There are healthy, daily habits you can start today that reduce your risk of common foot problems. Here are just a few effective steps you can take:
Regularly check your blood sugar level
Out-of-control blood sugar is a top cause of complications. Eat well and exercise regularly to maintain healthy levels.
Check your feet daily
Early detection is the best way to treat foot conditions or problems. Inspect your feet daily and update your podiatrist. If you see signs of infection, act fast, and contact your podiatrist.
Check your shoes
Cover your feet, but check your shoes first. Make sure there is nothing sharp or out-of-shape that could harm your feet. Never walk barefoot.
If you have questions about how our products can support you, please call 1-800- PEDIFIX (733-4349) to learn more. Our product specialists are ready to support your needs.