How your podiatrist in Annapolis, MD, can help when you have diabetic feet

Diabetes is a serious medical condition affecting your body’s systems including your circulatory, immune, and nervous systems. The effects of diabetes are especially apparent in your feet. Your podiatrist can help you protect your feet when you have diabetes.

Dr. Laura Michetti at First Choice Podiatry in Annapolis, MD, provides comprehensive footcare services, including care of diabetic feet.

Let's look at some of the ways diabetes affects your feet:

The effects on your immune system from diabetes can cause blisters, cuts, or sores not to heal properly, resulting in painful diabetic ulcers.

The effects on your circulatory system from diabetes can cause diminished blood flow to your feet and toes. In extreme cases, amputations may be necessary.

The effects on your nervous system from diabetes can cause impaired nerve sensation, so if you suffer an injury to your feet, you may not feel it. Painful peripheral neuropathy is another condition associated with diabetes.

There are some important steps you can take to help your feet remain healthy and free from injury. Remember to:

• Check your feet every day for injuries
• Avoid electric blankets, heating pads and hot water which can burn your feet
• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every day
• Apply moisturizer to your feet to keep your skin from drying out and cracking
• Keep your toenails trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown toenails
• Always wear supportive, comfortable shoes, and avoid going barefoot
• Exercise your ankles, feet, and toes every day to boost your circulation

You should also visit your podiatrist regularly at least once each year. Your podiatrist is an expert at caring for diabetic feet and diagnosing ankle, foot, and toe conditions early, when they are easily treatable.

Don’t let diabetes affect the health of your feet. Your podiatrist can help you and your feet stay healthy. To learn more about the importance of diabetic footcare and how your podiatrist can help you, call Dr. Laura Michetti at First Choice Podiatry in Annapolis, MD. You can reach her in the office by calling (443) 332-2300, so call today.