6 Questions Every Person with Diabetes Should Ask Themselves
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a suggestion for primary care health providers: they should ask their diabetic patients six yes-or-no questions about their feet. Any “no” answer means they should refer their patient to a podiatrist.
Don’t wait for your PCP to ask
In a perfect world, the members of your health care team would take the CDC’s advice and ask their diabetic patients all about their feet. And we’re sure it happens, which is great. But here’s our position at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center: people with diabetes don’t have to wait for anyone to ask questions. Take control of your foot health and answer the six questions on your own. Even one “no” answer should motivate you to make an appointment with one of our board-certified podiatrists in Monmouth County.
Do you know how diabetes can affect your feet? If you don’t know what problems to look out for, ask us. You can also read about it here.
Do you know how to check your feet every day? A thorough foot check assesses how your entire foot looks and feels, and assesses any changes since your last check.
Do you check your feet every day? Knowing how is not enough. You must follow through! Our podiatrists go even further and recommend you check your feet twice per day.
Do you get a full foot exam by a podiatrist at least once each year? An annual exam can catch diabetic foot problems before they become a huge problem. Our podiatrists can also help you with regular foot care such as nail trimming and treatments for corns and calluses.
Do you know what to do if you develop foot pain, redness, or sores? The only acceptable answer is yes: call us at (732) 905-1110 for an appointment as soon as possible.
Do your shoes fit you correctly? Uncomfortable, unsupportive shoes that irritate can have serious consequences. Pressure sores on your feet can quickly turn into wounds that don’t heal. Non-healing wounds are one of the main causes of lower limb amputation.
When it comes to diabetic foot care, Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, and Dr. Joseph Saka don’t want to take “no” for an answer. We can help you get to “yes.” See you for your next diabetic foot exam at our offices in Howell or Jackson, New Jersey.