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Steps to Prevent Foot Infections 

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Posted: Oct 31, 2016 | by Alice | 0 Comment

foot health, diabetes, diabetic foot disorderWhen your feet hurt, every step is a painful reminder. For people with diabetes, foot infections are especially problematic. Serious complications can lead to amputation.

As the weather gets cooler this month in Hampton Roads, people who have diabetes should start thinking about what they can do to prevent foot infections, ,  according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Chilly temperatures and wet weather both create potential problems.

“With an already compromised system, patients with diabetes are prone to poor blood circulation and nerve disease in their extremities,” said Dr. Michael Ambroziak, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon. “As such, it is important they don’t solely rely on their senses but instead make provisions based on factors, such as a change in climate, to help maintain healthy feet.”

Follow these five winter tips from the ACFAS to help keep your feet healthy:

1. Keep your feet dry. Rain, snow and slushy weather all cause dampness. When moisture collects between your socks, feet and toes, it’s a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to an infection if you don’t change out of wet or damp socks. Be sure to dry your feet as soon as possible. Keep the skin between the toes dry.

2. Moisturize your feet. Use a moisturizer daily to keep dry skin from itching or cracking. However, don’t moisturize between the toes because it can encourage a fungal infection.

“Poor circulation associated with diabetes often decreases the moisturizing glands in patients’ feet who are diabetic, leaving their feet more susceptible to severe dryness,” said Dr. Ambroziak in a news release.

3. Avoid direct heat to your feet. As tempting as it is to warm your feet by the fire or turn up the heat in your car to warm your feet, this can put your skin at risk. Watch out for red, shiny areas on your feet, which can be warning signs that the skin is breaking down.
A safer way for people with diabetes to minimize dryness and the chance of burning their feet is to keep direct heat away from that area.

Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the feet. It makes keeping your feet warm during winter a difficult task.

“With the numbness caused by neuropathy, diabetic patients may not feel when their feet are burning,” Dr. Ambroziak said. “As a result, they can experience second- or third-degree burns, which can cause serious foot problems.”

Another problem is hot bath water. Patients with diabetes should not put their feet in hot water. Instead, they should test the temperature with their hands or a thermometer first. Also, avoid using warming aids on the feet, such as electric blankets, heated shoe inserts and heating pads.

One option to keep feet dry is to find moisture-wicking socks.

4. Get the right shoes.
Selecting winter footwear is a tedious process for many people, but having diabetes brings about an even bigger set of concerns.

“In any climate, patients with diabetes should wear well-fitted shoes with supportive soles and a wide toe box to reduce cramping. During the colder seasons, extra thought should be given to sock texture and how the weather will affect walking conditions,” said Dr. Ambroziak.

5. Get periodic foot exams.
Feet exams help doctors spot infections early before complications can occur.

Source: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons news release

+ Read More about Improving Foot Health

+ Learn about treating Diabetic Foot Disorder at Virginia Orthopaedic & Spine Specialists

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