Table of Contents
Diabetic Foot Problems in Summer: Protecting Your Feet
Introduction
Summer in Texas can be particularly challenging for those with diabetes, as high temperatures and humidity can have a direct impact on blood sugar levels. Heat can change how your body uses insulin, and it can cause dehydration. If you don’t drink enough liquids, it can raise blood glucose. Patients who live with diabetes need to pay close attention to their feet during the hot summer months. To avoid heat-related foot problems, it’s important to seek professional advice from a podiatrist. An experienced can diagnose and treat foot problems and provide preventative care and education to help keep your feet healthy.
Importance of Foot Health for Diabetic Patients
Patients with diabetes know they need to be especially mindful of foot health. But this is especially true in the summer. In the hot summer months, a diabetic patient may develop a variety of foot problems that can cause serious complications, so it’s critical that they do daily checks of their feet to look for sores and wounds. Here are some other ways to help protect diabetic feet in the summer:
Wearing Proper Footwear
Warm summer temperatures make most people want to kick off their heavy shoes and trade them for a pair of sandals or flip-flops. While these open styles feel freer and give more airflow, they provide space for glass, pebbles, and other foreign objects to get caught in the skin of your foot, and this is especially dangerous for those who are diabetic. Those warm temperatures may also make some people want to go barefoot; however, going without shoes is also dangerous for diabetic patients. Without the protective material to safeguard your feet, you’re vulnerable to burns and stepping on sharp, hazardous objects on the ground. Because many diabetic patients suffer from neuropathy, they may not feel the pain when their foot is punctured or injured. Thus, it’s critical that people who have diabetes wear close-toed shoes, even during the summer, wear shoes that don’t cause blisters or cramp the toes, and never go barefoot or expose their feet to hot, hard surfaces, such as cement or sand.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Summer is a time for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and sports. However, these activities can also increase the risk of foot injuries for those with diabetes. Nerve damage caused by diabetes can make it difficult to feel pain or notice injuries, and this can lead to untreated wounds and infections. To reduce the risk of injuries, start any new physical activity slowly and gradually increase intensity. Wear shoes that fit well and provide good support to help reduce the risk of injuries. It is also essential to inspect your feet daily for any cuts, blisters, or other injuries after physical activity and to treat them promptly.
Dehydration and Dry Skin
One of the most common foot problems for diabetic patients in summer is dehydration and dry skin. High temperatures and increased activity levels can lead to excessive sweating, which can cause the feet to lose moisture. This can result in dry, cracked skin, which is more prone to infections. To prevent dehydration and dry skin, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to the feet daily to help keep the skin soft and pliable.
Preventing Fungal Infections
When hot and humid weather causes you to sweat, the build-up of excess moisture in your shoes and socks can bring on blisters, fungal infections, and athlete’s foot. All of these can turn healthy feet into problem feet. It’s important that you change your socks on a regular basis, and consider using a medicated foot powder to keep your socks, shoes, and feet dry.
The Role of Podiatrists in Diabetic Foot Care
It’s important to contact a podiatrist if you notice open wounds on your feet or any signs of infection. A podiatrist is an essential part of your diabetes care team. They can provide guidance on proper foot care, offer preventative treatments, and help treat any existing foot problems. With proper foot care and regular check-ups, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer without worrying about foot complications. When you have a foot or an ankle problem, you want a team of specialists who will give you clear answers about your condition, treat you with state-of-the-art equipment, and provide you with a treatment plan that directly addresses your specific issue. Our podiatrists understand the importance of healthy feet, and with their education and training, they provide you with the best options for a speedy recovery. The award-winning podiatrists at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists are recognized across the country for their depth of knowledge, treatment options, and outstanding service. If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, contact us at https://bootdiabetics.com/, or take advantage of our 512-328-8900 by * * * * * * Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists 5000 Bee Caves Rd., Suite 202 Austin, TX 78746
Conclusion
Maintaining good foot health is crucial for individuals with diabetes, especially during the summer months. By following proper foot care guidelines, such as wearing proper footwear, avoiding walking barefoot, staying hydrated, and seeking professional advice from a podiatrist, diabetic patients can protect their feet from potential complications. Don’t let foot problems ruin your summer. Take steps to keep your feet healthy and enjoy all the activities summer has to offer. Remember, prevention is the key to avoiding diabetic foot problems. Stay proactive and take care of your feet, and they will take care of you.