November is American Diabetes Month. It’s a perfect time to remember and spread the word that you can avoid diabetic foot complications with proper diet, medication, and regular visits with your foot doctor to catch any foot and ankle problems before they can worsen. It is especially true for unnoticed infected cuts that can quickly become gangrenous and lead to amputation of a toe or even an entire foot.

Some tips for keeping your feet in good shape when you have diabetes include the following:

• Keep your feet clean and germ-free—Soak your feet daily in a tub of mild soap and water and wash them carefully with a cloth. Dry your feet, including between the toes. Use antimicrobial powders and sprays on your feet and inside your shoes.
• Inspect your feet every day—Infections can spread rapidly, and a small cut can become an infected foot ulcer in a matter of days, so be sure to check your feet every day for cuts and scrapes. Check the bottoms and in between the toes, a common starting point of infection.
• Get properly fitted for the right shoes at our in-office Shoe Store—We carry a wide variety of comfortable and supportive shoes to treat diabetic feet and other foot and ankle problems.
• Foot elevation—While you are resting and lying down, raise your feet on a pillow to improve blood flow and your immune response. It also helps reduce swelling.
• Aerobic exercise—You should do some aerobic exercise several times a week and preferably every day. It will improve your circulation and help to lower your blood sugar levels.

For diabetic foot problems and any other issues you are having with your feet and ankles, see your foot doctor. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.