Tips on how you can “De-Feet” diabetes
Dr. Kristina Thompson, Podiatrist... Submitted photo.
by Dr. Kristina Thompson, Podiatrist
Dr. Kristina Thompson, Podiatrist, provides specialty foot care at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) in Waukon. With April observed as National Diabetes and Foot Health Month, she recommends the following for “de-feeting” diabetes.
• Avoid soaking feet, this causes excessive dryness and can lead to cracks.
• Check feet daily for any new blisters, wounds, etc.
• Avoid going barefoot, especially if you have neuropathy/diabetic nerve damage.
• Ask your provider about diabetic shoes!
• Work with your providers and/or diabetes educator to keep your glucose within target range. This decreases risk of complications.
• If you notice a blister or wound, don’t delay treatment. Get in with a provider with a knowledge on wound care.
• Exercise if you are able. This increases blood flow circulation.
• Don’t remove callus or corns yourself, see your doctor!
• If you are able to trim your own toenails, trim straight across. If you are unable to trim your own toenails, see a podiatrist for treatment.
In addition to being a podiatrist, Dr. Thompson is also a wound care specialist and diabetes educator. For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Thompson, call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
