10 Tips For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Just because you have diabetic peripheral neuropathy does not mean that you are going to lose your feet. It just means that you have to be more vigilant and care when it comes to the care of your feet and ankle.
Here are some tips you can follow to avoid infection, injury, and amputation:

1. Check your feet every day. If you can't check your feet yourself, have a spouse, child, or invest in a mirror. If you have a cut, abrasion, puncture wound, or piece of debris in your foot, you will not feel it.
2. See a podiatrist. You should be seen at least once a year by a podiatrist and whenever you feel something is wrong, make an appointment. 
3. Watch your step. Just because you don't feel any pain in your feet doesn't mean there isn't something going on. You can't trust your feet anymore to give you signs. Be careful where you are walking.
4. Clear a path. Before you go to bed, make sure there is nothing on the floor, just in case you have to get up in the night. You could potentially step on something or stub a toe, both of which you wouldn't feel.
5. Wear closed toe shoes. An exposed toe or foot has the potential for infection, harm, or injury, so wear closed toe shoes to prevent it from happening. 
6. Give up bare feet. If you can't feel anything in your feet, there is no way you will be able to tell if you cut, scraped, or have a puncture wound. We all love the feeling of barefeet, but for those with diabetic neuropathy, it is something to completely avoid. 
7. Trim toenails carefully. Infection can spread quickly when you nick your skin cutting your toenails. Ingrown toenails also puncture the skin and leave you vulnerable to infection. 
8. Wear shoes that fit. Shoes that are either too big or too small can cause calluses or blisters, which can easily turn into a sore if you're not careful and attentive. Your shoes should offer support and stability.
9. Take time to dry those feet! It's easier said than done when it comes to drying your feet, especially between your toes. Who thinks to dry their feet normally? But fungus loves wet, warm, moist environments. Yum. 
10. Exercise. Exercise is an excellent way to increase the circulation to your feet and maintain an active lifestyle. 

Reference: Diabetes Monitor
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.