If you have diabetes, the warm summer months mean taking extra precaution when it comes to your feet. Although it’s important to take care of your feet each season year round, summer months can bring extra difficulties, which may include burned feet, puncture wounds, and dry or cracked heel.   Any of these foot difficulties can lead to severe diabetic foot complications.

In order to keep your feet happy and healthy this summer, Chiropodist Brian Cragg wants to provide these simple tips to incorporate into your daily routine.  They include:

1. Never walk barefoot - especially at the pool, on the beach or even inside your house! Exposing your feet without the protection of a shoe can increase your risk for stepping on sharp objects, developing burns from walking on hot sand or pavement, and contracting a bacterial or fungal infection. Don’t put your feet at risk, so keep your feet secured in a shoe!
2. Apply sunscreen to your feet daily. When it comes to putting on the SPF, you may not think to include your feet in the coverage. However, feet can easily burn on both tops and bottoms in the hot sun.  Make sure to apply sunscreen on all areas of your feet before you step outside.
3. Apply moisturizing lotion daily. Warm weather can easily dry out your feet, which can lead to cracks and possible infection. Keep your feet properly moisturized by applying lotion on a daily basis. Avoid putting lotion on the areas in between your toes as the moisture can lead to a fungal infection.
4. Summer heat can create prime conditions for your feet to swell. Elevate your feet whenever possible in order to reduce swelling, encourage blood flow circulation, and nerve function.
5. Make sure your summer footwear is a proper fit. Wearing a proper fit shoe is critical to provide support and protection for your diabetic foot. Check each summer pair and toss out any sandals or flip-flops that are worn or don’t fit anymore.

Don’t let this summer season affect your feet! Follow these tips to ensure your summer is spent with healthy feet.  However, if you’re experiencing any diabetic foot complications, contact our office to set up an appointment with Chiropodist Cragg.