Do you have diabetes? Then, you must know that diligent foot care is a must. At Lake Ridge Podiatry in Woodbridge, VA, our experienced podiatric physician, Dr. Ranieri, helps diabetic patients achieve and maintain the best foot health and function. Here's how you can participate.

The impact of diabetes

The fluctuating blood glucose levels characteristic of diabetes impacts every bodily system and function, including vision, cardiovascular health, wound healing, nerve function, and more. Peripheral neuropathy is a very common diabetic complication that impedes perception of pain, and poor micro-circulation impairs wound healing.

For example, a diabetic person may not know he or she has a large blister on the foot--even if it becomes deep and infected. Or, a bug bite may go unnoticed until a wound has formed. Endocrine Web reports that between 9 and 20 percent of diabetic foot wounds (ulcers) lead to partial or complete amputations.

As such, the team at Lake Ridge Podiatry in Woodbridge, VA, recommends yearly in-office foot exams. Dr. Ranieri carefully inspects all foot and ankle surfaces, looking for changes in color and skin temperature, corns, calluses, swelling, blisters, breaks in the skin, hammertoes, and Charcot's foot. With Charcot's foot, bones progressively weaken and deform, but diabetics may be unaware of the serious changes to their foot structure.

What you can do at home

Daily, diligent foot care at-home wards off serious foot problems. Here are the simple things you can do, according to your Woodbridge, VA Diabetic foot care expert:

• Wash your feet every day with soap and water, and dry them with a clean, soft towel.
• Cut your nails straight across and even with the end of the toes.
• Apply moisturizer every day.
• Look for changes in the skin and nails--cracks, rough, red areas, blisters, cuts, rashes, corns, and calluses.
• Stop smoking as it impairs peripheral circulation.
• Wear comfortable shoes with low heels, arch support, and roomy toe boxes. Dr. Ramieri will tell you if you need shoe inserts or other modifications for wounds or other problems.
• Use flip-flops or sandals poolside and in the gym locker room. Avoid going barefoot--even in the house.
• Wear clean, well-fitting socks which have no seams to cause friction.

Contact us

At Lake Ridge Podiatry in Woodbridge, VA, Dr. Ranieri offers a wide range of foot and ankle care. Partner with us and have good podiatric health as you manage your diabetes. Phone us for an in-office consultation: (703) 491-2603.