Taking care of your feet is always important, but it is even more crucial when living with diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage or loss of feeling in the feet. So, if you were to cut or injure your foot you likely may not feel it, which increases the risk of infection and complications. In extreme cases, nerve damage can cause your feet and toes to change shape, making your day-to-day shoes painfully unwearable.
Diabetics must pay extra attention to their feet if their condition worsens, making their foot more prone to infection. To make things easier, our team of specialists at Physicians Footcare has put together a few foot care tips to implement into your routine.
Daily Foot Hygiene
An effective daily routine is a simple yet vital part of diabetic foot care. Clean and moisturized feet are less likely to become infected. A daily routine is a simple foot solution that will strengthen and protect the skin, making day-to-day activities less painful.
Start your routine by washing your feet with warm water and soap. Be careful not to use hot water as it will dry out the skin making your feet prone to cracking and itchiness. After washing your feet, be sure to thoroughly dry them, do not forget in between your toes!
Next is to trim your toenails, as the nail is soft and will be easier to manage. Trim your toenails straight across with scissors or toenail clippers. Be sure not to cut corners, this will cause ingrown toenails which are painful and will affect mobility. Once you finish trimming, use an emery board to file the nails to stop them from splintering.
The final step is to use a foot lotion to moisturize the clean skin. The lotion will lock in moisture, and keep the skin from cracking. Try to avoid putting the lotion in between your toes as excess moisture in this area can lead to fungal infections. This is also a great time to massage, which will get the blood moving and increase circulation in the area. Last, try putting on a comfortable sock to lock in moisture and prevent injury as you are more likely to slip after applying the lotion.
Choose the Right Footwear
Footwear is crucial to foot care and is even more important for individuals living with diabetes. As diabetes can change the shape of your foot, it is important to find well-fitting shoes that provide arch support and decrease pain while walking. If your shoes pinch or rub the foot painfully, it's time to ask your doctor about therapeutic shoes or inserts.
Comfortable footwear should be worn at all times. Try not to go barefoot as, with diabetic nerve damage, you are likely to not notice when you have stepped on something sharp. Slippers and moisture-wicking socks are a great alternative to going barefoot indoors.
Schedule Regular Foot Exams
Individuals living with diabetes should schedule regular foot exams to monitor foot and ankle injuries. Have a podiatrist or your healthcare provider examine your foot to ensure there are no signs of cuts, blisters, or infection. These symptoms are easy to miss as they can be difficult to see. You also may not feel pain related to the injury if you have started to lose feeling in your feet.
If you have noticed a cut or ulcer on the foot that is not healing, or are experiencing numbness in your feet contact your doctor right away.
Maintain Your Overall Health
Promoting overall health and wellness will positively impact the condition of your feet. Consult with your diabetic care team to create a plan that is best suited for your lifestyle. Protect the health of your feet by controlling the things that cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage.
While promoting a healthy lifestyle, it is crucial to maintain proper blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels as this will slow and prevent the effects of nerve damage in the feet. Monitoring these conditions will prevent blood vessel problems that often lead to foot complications.
Smoking is another factor to manage, as the habit decreases circulation, which will lead to other problems down the road. All these factors can be managed by following your care provider's advice.
The easiest way to increase circulation is through exercise. Regular physical activity will get your blood moving, stimulating blood flow in the legs and feet. Walking is a great option in this case as it is low-impact and gets the job done.
All exercises should be done in sturdy, properly fitting shoes. Be sure they have good arch support, as it will help to make exercise pain-free and enjoyable. Most importantly, be mindful of the condition of your feet, if you have open wounds or sores wait for those to heal before exercise.
Prevent Complications Through Foot Care
For individuals living with diabetes, proper foot care is essential in preventing complications and increasing overall quality of life. Be proactive with a daily routine, supportive footwear, and regular exams as they are essential to the overall health and condition of your feet.
If you have questions about diabetic foot care or foot care tips please contact one of our offices. We have seventeen different locations in South Carolina and Georgia, and our board-certified podiatrists are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Engaging in physical activities, whether it's running, hiking, playing sports, or hitting the gym, offers numerous benefits to both the body and mind. However, the repeated stress and impact on the feet during these activities can lead to injuries and discomfort if proper foot care isn't prioritized. Today, we'll delve into the importance of foot care for active individuals, offering insights into preventing injuries and optimizing performance.
Choosing the Right Footwear
The journey to optimal foot care begins with choosing the right footwear. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and even more serious issues like plantar fasciitis or stress fractures.
When selecting athletic shoes, consider the following factors:
Size and Fit: Ensure that your shoes fit snugly without being too tight. Your toes should have some room to wiggle, and there should be about a thumbnail's space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
Arch Support: Different foot types require varying degrees of arch support. If you have high arches, look for shoes with cushioning and arch support; if you have flat feet, choose shoes that provide stability and motion control.
Activity-Specific Shoes: Different activities demand different shoe designs. Running shoes have specific cushioning for impact, while hiking boots provide ankle support and traction. Wearing the right shoes for the activity can reduce the risk of injury.
Preventing Common Foot Injuries
Maintaining the health of our feet is crucial for overall physical well-being and an active lifestyle. These common foot ailments can significantly impede our ability to move comfortably and engage in daily activities. By understanding the causes and adopting preventive measures for these injuries, we can ensure that our feet remain resilient, allowing us to continue pursuing a life of mobility and vitality. Some common foot issues include:
Plantar Fasciitis: This condition, characterized by heel pain, is common among athletes. Stretching the calf muscles and the plantar fascia before and after activity can help prevent this painful injury. Rolling a frozen water bottle under the foot can provide relief post-activity.
Achilles Tendinitis: Overuse and inadequate stretching can lead to inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Regularly stretching the calf muscles, eccentric heel drops, and avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity can help prevent this condition.
Blisters and Calluses: Moisture-wicking socks and well-fitting shoes can significantly reduce friction and the development of blisters and calluses. If a blister forms, avoid popping it, as it can lead to infection. Instead, cover it with a bandage.
Stress Fractures: Overtraining and improper footwear can lead to stress fractures, especially in high-impact activities. Gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts and ensuring proper rest days can reduce the risk of stress fractures.
Foot and Ankle Stretches to Improve Mobility
Stretching is a great way to improve foot and ankle mobility, especially for highly active individuals. Here are a few stretches to try before your next workout:
Toe Raises:
Sit with both feet flat on the floor in front of you.
Repeatedly raise the front of your foot off of the floor, stretching your toes to the ceiling, while keeping your heels on the floor.
Then curl your toes underneath themselves and raise your heels off the floor.
Ball Rolls:
Stay seated with both feet in front of you.
Use a tennis ball or other ball of similar size on the floor.
Take one foot and place it on top of the ball with it resting on the arch of your foot.
Extend your leg using minimal pressure, rolling the ball back and forth along the bottom of your foot.
Increase the hardness and decrease the size of the ball to target areas of your foot that feel more tight.
Achilles Stretch:
Stand with both feet facing forward, and put one foot in front of the other, giving yourself room between the front and back of your feet.
Make sure you have something in front of you to lean against, bend your knees and lean forward.
Keeping both feet flat on the ground allows your knees to bend as your body moves toward the wall in front of you.
Point and Flex:
Start this exercise seated on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you
With your legs together point your toes forward as hard as you can, then release.
Reverse this and flex both feet pushing your heels forward and your toes back towards you, then release.
You can continue to do this, alternating feet and holding each position for longer to get a deeper stretch.
Enhancing Performance Through Foot Care
Enhanced performance spans beyond techniques, encompassing a fundamental factor: foot care. Often overlooked, maintaining optimal foot health significantly influences agility, endurance, and overall functionality. Whether in sports, daily tasks, or professional pursuits, prioritizing foot care unlocks the potential for elevated achievements.
Proper Warm-up and Cool-down: Before engaging in any activity, make sure to warm up your feet and calf muscles with dynamic stretches. Cooling down with static stretches after your workout helps maintain flexibility and prevent tightness.
Foot Strengthening Exercises: Strong feet are more resilient to injuries. Incorporate exercises like toe curls, towel scrunches, and resistance band work to improve foot strength and stability.
Maintain Healthy Foot Hygiene: Wash and dry your feet thoroughly after workouts to prevent fungal infections. Keeping your toenails trimmed and filed reduces the risk of ingrown nails and other complications.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience persistent foot pain, it's crucial not to ignore it. Pushing through pain can exacerbate injuries. Instead, rest, ice, and elevate your feet, and consider consulting a healthcare professional if the pain persists.
For active individuals, foot care isn't just about maintaining comfort—it's about ensuring long-term performance and preventing injuries that could sideline your activities. By selecting the right footwear, understanding common foot injuries, and incorporating preventive measures, you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities while keeping your feet healthy and strong. If you suffer from any severe injuries during physical activity, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist for professional treatment. Remember, prioritizing foot care today sets the foundation for a more active and fulfilling tomorrow.
Feet are one of the most overlooked parts of the body, but they play one of the most crucial roles in our daily lives. Foot care is vital when it comes to mobility and comfort during day-to-day activities. As you get older you become more susceptible to various health issues and discomfort due to the changing of your body. Your feet flatten and become wider, skin begins to thin, and circulation decreases with age. All this makes seniors more susceptible to foot pain and discomfort.
In this blog post, we explore the reasons why senior foot care deserves special attention. Along with that, we have compiled a list of foot care tips that will help to maintain comfort and mobility which can easily be added to your daily routine. Incorporate these practices into your routine to promote foot health and general well-being.
Wash Your Feet Daily
The easiest way to promote foot hygiene is through daily bathing. Good foot hygiene is key to preventing bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. So, make washing your feet part of your daily routine. As a bonus, bathing promotes relaxation, so if it is done at night you may have a better night's sleep.
Bathing can be done in the shower simply with warm water and soap or out of the shower with a soapy washcloth if need be. Be mindful of how long you soak your feet in warm water as overexposure can dry the skin. Lastly, pat your feet dry, and don’t forget to get between your toes!
Moisturize Your Feet
An important addition to your routine should be applying moisturizer to your feet. Foot lotions should be applied after you have washed and thoroughly dried your feet, making this the last step in your foot care routine. After moisturizing your feet, put on a breathable sock to help lock in the moisture. The sock will also prevent slips and falls as your feet will be slippery after applying the lotion.
When your skin is dry it is prone to cracking and flaking, which will cause discomfort, itchiness, and irritation. These moisturizing tips will help to prevent cracking as foot lotion stops the skin from drying out, keeping the feet smooth and plump.
Trim Your Nails
Proper toenail care is another important part of foot care. Neglecting overgrown and ingrown toenails will lead to irritation and pain, which may lessen mobility and create unstable walking. Be sure to follow these steps to safely and effectively trim your toenails.
First, be sure to use clean toenail clippers or scissors to prevent infections. The second step is to trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting corners, preventing ingrown toenails from occurring. Lastly, use an emery board or nail file to smooth rough edges after trimming, this will stop the nail from splintering. An added tip is to soak your feet in warm water before trimming to loosen the nails and make things more comfortable.
If you have trouble trimming your toes yourself you should locate a nail care clinic that specializes in senior feet, for example, your local podiatrist or nail salon. If done incorrectly, trimming your toenails may make your pain worse, so ask for help if needed.
Promote Circulation
Older adults who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and arthritis may have limited mobility in the feet and ankles. Promoting circulation in the lower leg can help to alleviate pain, increase blood flow, and decrease swelling.
To increase circulation try to elevate your feet whenever possible. If you find yourself sitting for extended periods try to wiggle your toes and rotate your ankles to get your blood moving. Massaging the area and light exercise will also help to promote circulation which sends oxygen and nutrients to your feet, which is essential to your overall health.
The condition of your feet can serve as a warning sign for more serious health issues, such as heart disease or arthritis. If your foot pain, swelling, or discomfort remains persistent consult a podiatrist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.
Comfortable and Supportive Footwear
Daily routine is key to increasing overall comfort and well-being, but footwear is just as important. Proper footwear might be what you are missing. Mobility, balance, and comfort can all come down to the type of shoe on your foot.
Consider the quality and type of shoe you are wearing when addressing pain and discomfort. Arch support, proper fit, and cushioning are key to the quality of your footwear. Shoes that are too small, worn down, or too tight can cause blisters and bunions. Seniors should also avoid wearing high heels, and opt for a shoe with good arch support.
Consult with a podiatrist to help find the best supportive shoes tailored to your needs. Supportive footwear is essential for seniors with pre-existing foot conditions and should be worn to prevent foot pain and promote overall foot health.
Protect Your Feet
Foot care is not just about pampering yourself, it is a crucial aspect of maintaining health and mobility. Foot hygiene and foot care are essential to seniors as they help to prevent pain and discomfort, and increase mobility.
If you have questions about supportive footwear, or foot hygiene, or have any concerns regarding senior foot care please contact one of our offices. We are located in various cities throughout South Carolina and Georgia, and our expert podiatrists are happy to answer any questions regarding senior foot care.
Research has shown that many employees incur foot injuries as a result of wearing the wrong shoes for the job. Protection for the feet is crucial, and a number of injuries may be reduced when the right shoes are worn. Average work-related foot injuries can happen from objects falling on the feet from a short distance, and there are specific types of shoes that can be worn which can provide maximum foot protection. Toes may be protected from compression or impact injuries by wearing boots that have a steel toe. It is beneficial to wear shoes that are electrically insulated while working with open circuits. These types of shoes can also protect the body from high-voltage shocks. People who work in wet environments may choose to wear slip-protection shoes which can have textured rubber soles or metal studs. If you would like more information about what type of shoes to wear for your profession, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist.
While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact the foot specialists from Physicians Footcare . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Working on Your Feet
Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.
Positive Changes
Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.
Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.
Eliminate Pain
Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.
Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen.
With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.
Taking care of your feet is always important, but it is even more crucial when living with diabetes. Diabetes can cause nerve damage or loss of feeling in the feet. So, if you were to cut or injure your foot you likely may not feel it, which increases the risk of infection and complications. In extreme cases, nerve damage can cause your feet and toes to change shape, making your day-to-day shoes painfully unwearable. 
Feet are one of the most overlooked parts of the body, but they play one of the most crucial roles in our daily lives. Foot care is vital when it comes to mobility and comfort during day-to-day activities. As you get older you become more susceptible to various health issues and discomfort due to the changing of your body. Your feet flatten and become wider, skin begins to thin, and circulation decreases with age. All this makes seniors more susceptible to foot pain and discomfort. 
