The connection between diabetes and foot health can be complicated. This disease puts lower extremities at great risk for serious medical complications, especially when they are injured. Yet the physical activities that improve circulation, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and burn calories all come with an inherent risk of injury.
What is someone with diabetes to do?
The good news is that exercise with diabetic feet is definitely possible! Now, hopefully you are still reading and haven’t sprung out of your seat to go for a barefoot run, because it’s important to highlight the word “safely” in that statement.
The first component of safely exercising with diabetic feet is to inspect them prior to any activity. If you have a sore on either of your feet, you need to abandon your plans for working out and attend to the sore. Going ahead with a workout can turn the sore into a larger, more critical issue.
If your feet are clear, then it’s time to look at the essential equipment for keeping your feet protected – your socks and shoes. Here at Foot Specialists of Long Island, we can steer you in the direction of diabetic socks that are padded, low-friction, and wick moisture away.
With regard to diabetic shoes, you need a pair that is supportive, fits properly (not too tight, not too loose), and is fully enclosed. Our office can provide assistance, if you would like. We can also create custom orthotic devices to keep you safe from sores, calluses, and other issues that could lead to a serious medical emergency.
Exercise is one part of diabetic foot health that we can help you with here at Foot Specialists of Long Island, but it’s certainly not the only one! Your health is important to us and we can provide information on diabetic-smart dietary choices, prescribe custom orthotics to keep your feet safe, and assist you in your choices for diabetic shoes. If you do develop a foot ulcer, we do specialize in wound treatment, too. When it comes to any facet of diabetic foot care, we’ve got you covered!
If you are living with diabetes and don’t have your foot care plan in place yet, make your appointment at our Nassau County podiatry practice today. Just give us a call at (516) 804-9038 or contact our Massapequa, NY office via our online form and you will get the care and attention you deserve!