If you are living with diabetes, you likely understand that taking care of your feet is imperative to your chronic disease management. When you need quality diabetic foot care in Hampton and Williamsburg, VA, the Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists team is here for you. Dr. Sara Bouraee, Dr. Jon Houseworth, Dr. Sun Byun, Dr. Daria Piotrowksi, and Dr. Shruti Vyas are a team of caring podiatrists who can help you with your chronic disease management.

Why Diabetic Foot Care in Hampton and Williamsburg, VA, Matters

For most people, having a small cut or bruise on the foot may not be alarming. Anyone can get ingrown toenails from wearing shoes that are too tight or trimming them improperly. However, diabetics must be more cautious with these normally small foot matters. A simple cut, scrape, bruise, or cracked skin can lead to foot infection. An unmanaged infection can later gravitate into an amputation. That's why anyone diagnosed with diabetes needs to understand how to properly care for their feet at home and know when to see the local podiatrist.

How to Care For Your Feet With Diabetes

Proper foot care starts with regular cleaning and drying. Take the time to thoroughly wash your feet daily and avoid walking around barefoot. When your feet are wet, make sure you dry them and moisturize them well to prevent cracking. If you use public facilities, such as gyms or public pools, wear shower shoes or sandals to avoid stepping on something that may injure your foot by being exposed to foot fungus. Carefully trim your toenails to avoid ingrown toenails, which can become infected. Check your feet for signs of bruises, ulcers, or other injuries you may not automatically feel due to nerve damage, which is common among diabetics.

Why Podiatrists Matter

If you're dealing with diabetes, you likely conduct regular visits with your medical practitioner. However, your podiatrist may also be someone you frequently visit who works in cohesion with your primary care doctor. After all, monitoring the lower extremities is part of ongoing diabetic care because of the likelihood of neuropathy, which can create other problems. Your podiatrist can guide you in managing your feet and is always available to help treat ulcers, bunions, ingrown toenails, and anything affecting your feet.

As you can see, proper foot care is essential, especially when you're diabetic. The doctors at Hampton Roads Foot and Ankle Specialists are available for your ongoing diabetic foot care needs in Hampton and Williamsburg, VA. Call us at (757) 220-3311 to make an appointment today.