Daily foot care step in right direction for good health, Hendrick Health podiatrist says

Proper care of feet should begin before a problem arises, especially for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, a Hendrick Health podiatrist advises.

The foot is a complex system of 26 bones, 33 joints and a network of muscles, tendons, nerves, blood vessels and sweat glands. Together, they bear the brunt force that builds with each step.

Good foot care begins with a daily routine of washing and drying feet and wearing fresh socks, preferably white, said Dr. Stephen Daugherty, a podiatrist with Hendrick Clinic.

“A white sock, rather than a dark sock, allows you to see any fluids from unfelt blisters or wounds,” said Daugherty.

Toenails should be trimmed regularly, and feet also should be inspected daily. If seeing the bottom of feet is difficult, place a hand mirror on the floor to view each foot’s underside.

Shoes should not fit close to the toes and should have at least a thumb’s width between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe when standing and bearing full weight. Even “soft” shoes can cause harm if they are allowed to contact toes. Any foot injury or wound that does not show signs of healing in three to four days should be examined by a healthcare provider, Daugherty said.

For individuals living with diabetes, daily foot care is critical because the condition can cause nerve damage that prevents feeling wounds, injuries or infections and inhibits their healing.

“When poor healing and limited ability to feel pain happen together, it can lead to a late discovery of an injury,” Daugherty said. “That means even originally simple problems can advance to the point of being a medical emergency before they are discovered.”

Individuals with diabetes should have a podiatrist examine their feet annually, Daugherty said.