April is Foot Health Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about a critical topic: diabetes and foot health. If you have diabetes, you might already know that it can impact different parts of your body, but your feet are especially vulnerable.

Why? Diabetes can cause nerve damage, circulation issues, and slow wound healing, all of which can lead to serious foot complications if not managed properly. But don’t worry — we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about diabetes and foot health, including how diabetic and therapeutic shoes can help keep your feet safe, comfortable, and healthy.

How Does Diabetes Affect Foot Health?

Diabetes can impact your feet in several ways, but the most common concerns are:

1. Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)

One of the biggest foot health issues for people with diabetes is nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in your feet, leading to:

  • Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet.
  • Numbness or loss of sensation — which means you might not feel cuts, blisters, or sores.
  • Muscle weakness that can affect balance and stability.

Since you may not feel pain the same way, small foot injuries can go unnoticed and become serious problems.

2. Poor Circulation

Diabetes can reduce blood flow to the feet, making it harder for wounds to heal. If a small cut, sore, or blister goes untreated, it can turn into an infection or ulcer that takes a long time to heal. In severe cases, poor circulation can increase the risk of amputation.

Signs of circulation issues include:

  • Cold feet
  • Slow-healing sores
  • Pain in the legs or feet while walking

3. Increased Risk of Foot Infections & Ulcers

Since diabetes affects both nerve function and circulation, foot infections and ulcers (open sores) are more common. If you get a cut or blister and don’t feel it due to neuropathy, bacteria can enter and cause an infection.

Without proper care, foot infections can become serious and require medical treatment — or even surgery.

How to Take Care of Your Feet if You Have Diabetes

The good news? Most diabetic foot problems can be prevented! Here’s how to protect your feet and lower your risk of complications:

1. Check Your Feet Daily

Since diabetes can make it harder to feel injuries, take a few minutes each day to inspect your feet for cuts, blisters, swelling, or redness. If you see anything unusual, talk to your doctor.

2. Keep Your Feet Clean & Dry

Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, then dry them thoroughly — especially between the toes. Moisturize dry skin, but avoid lotion between the toes, as excess moisture can lead to infections.

3. Trim Your Toenails Carefully

Trim toenails straight across and avoid cutting too short. This helps prevent ingrown toenails and infections. If you have trouble trimming your nails, ask a podiatrist for help.

4. Wear Proper Footwear — Diabetic Shoes Can Help!

Wearing the right shoes is one of the best ways to protect your feet. Diabetic shoes and therapeutic footwear are designed to:

  • Improve circulation by reducing pressure points.
  • Prevent blisters and ulcers with seamless, cushioned interiors.
  • Provide extra depth to accommodate swelling or foot deformities.
  • Support stability and balance, reducing the risk of falls.

Regular shoes can cause rubbing, pressure, and discomfort — which can lead to sores, infections, and pain. Diabetic shoes help prevent these issues while keeping your feet comfortable and supported!

5. Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control

Managing your blood sugar is key to protecting your feet. High blood sugar levels worsen nerve damage and circulation issues, so working with your doctor to maintain stable blood sugar levels will keep your feet healthier in the long run.

Hudson Pharmacy & Surgical: Helping You Protect Your Feet

At Hudson Pharmacy & Surgical, we understand how important proper footwear is for foot health — especially for those with diabetes. That’s why we offer:

  • High-quality diabetic and therapeutic shoes to improve circulation and reduce pressure points.
  • Custom fittings to ensure your shoes fit perfectly and support your unique needs.
  • Foot health products designed for comfort, safety, and overall wellness.

If you’re looking for shoes that keep your feet protected and comfortable, let us help you find the perfect fit! Call us today at 914-941-4476 if you have any questions or want help finding the right diabetic shoes.

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