Our Top 5 for Winter Diabetic Foot Care

Anyone can experience problems with their feet, but for diabetics, even a minor foot problem can lead to infection or serious problems, and in some cases, amputation may be needed. Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle want their diabetic patients to take extra precautionary measures including:

1. Keeping your feet moisturized and hydrated. Use a moisturizer each day to keep dry skin from cracking. Don't apply it between the toes because that can cause an infection. Be mindful of shiny, red areas on your feet, which can be warning signs of skin that is about to break down.

2. Keeping your feet dry and warm. Rain, slush, and snow can cause dampness and when it collects between the feet and your socks it can form bacteria and result in an infection. Diabetics should remove damp or wet socks and towel dry their feet immediately, remembering to dry thoroughly between the toes.

3. Wearing proper footwear. In any environment, patients with diabetes should always wear properly fitted shoes that have a wide toe box to decrease cramping and soles that provide optimal support.

4. Avoiding direct heat. Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the feet, which makes the simple task of warming them challenging. Diabetics should not put their feet in hot water before testing it with their hands or a thermometer. Also, don’t use warming aids on the feet, such as heated shoe inserts, heating pads, or electric blankets.

5. Seeing your podiatrist for regular exams.  Because diabetics are extremely susceptible to foot problems, they should visit a podiatrist regularly. A podiatrist can identify any alarming changes in their patients' feet and put together a treatment plan with regular visits.

Proper foot care is particularly important to those who suffer from diabetes. If you suffer from diabetes and need help with proper foot care, contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle to schedule a consultation. Contact us today at (806) 322-3338.