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Protect Your Feet from Summer Heat

Some diabetics have a loss of sensation in the lower extremities due to nerve damage. Because of this loss of feeling, a small burn, scratch or scrape can go unnoticed and become infected. That’s why going barefoot outdoors in the summer is a no-no.

“If you have diabetes, you need to be vigilant about foot care year-round, but summer is particularly important,” says Dr. David Gustavison, Medical Director at Covenant Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center. “If you discover any kind of foot wound, even if it is minor, get it evaluated early to avoid life-threatening complications. Preventive care is extremely important.”

So are the following seven summer footcare tips from Dr. Gustavison:
• Don’t walk outside without shoes where broken glass, rocks, trash or debris can perforate the skin and cause infection…or where hot sidewalks or sand can cause blisters or burns on the feet. 
• Always wear properly fitted shoes. If needed, talk to your doctor about special diabetic shoes, custom inserts, and socks to keep feet healthy while you’re active.
• Keep your feet clean. Look at the tops and bottoms of your feet each day and keep toenails clipped straight across and filed.
• Use an emollient cream for dry skin every day on the tops and bottoms of your feet.
• Stay hydrated. This may help with foot swelling from heat or exercise and improve circulation.
• Monitor and maintain proper blood glucose levels, eat a healthy diet, and use your medication as prescribed.

If you get a foot wound of any kind, clean it, use antibiotic creams and a sterile bandage to cover it, and call the wound care experts at Covenant at (989) 583-4401 before complications develop. 

Posted Date: 7/6/2021


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