Our Cold Weather Tips for Diabetics

For people who live with diabetes, even a common foot condition can cause infection, and in some cases, may require amputation. That’s one reason diabetics must take steps to protect themselves during the change in seasons to colder weather. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County, and Fairfield County are sharing their tips for diabetic foot care when the weather gets colder.

1. Keep your feet warm and dry. Wet weather can make your feet damp, and bacteria can form, leading to infection. For this reason, people who have diabetes should take off damp socks and dry their feet as soon as possible. When doing so, pay particular attention to the area between your toes, as it is important to keep this area dry.

2. Wear properly-fitted footwear.Diabetics should wear shoes with a wide toe box to decrease cramping. It also helps to wear supportive soles in any type of weather. During the colder months, you should wear socks that wick moisture away and shoes that are appropriate for the weather. When you speak with your podiatrist, ask if diabetic shoes can help you.

3. Moisturize your feet at least once a day. Putting lotion on your feet will keep skin from drying out and cracking, which could lead to a wound or ulcer if scratched. But don’t apply lotion to the area between the toes, which can lead to a fungal infection.

4. Avoid direct heat. To reduce dryness and the chance of burning your feet, be sure to keep them away from direct heat sources. Diabetes can damage nerves in the feet, which can make the task of warming them rather challenging. If a person with diabetes experiences numbness as a symptom of neuropathy, they may not be aware that their feet are burning.

5. See your podiatrist for regular exams. Because patients with diabetes are particularly sensitive to foot problems, they should visit their podiatrist regularly as a preventive measure.

With proper foot care, patients living with diabetes can decrease their risk of having problems with their feet. With regular visits, we can keep an eye on changes taking place in your feet and provide appropriate treatment.

If you are living with diabetes and haven’t had your feet checked recently, contact the office of Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown office at (203) 270-6724.