Consistent care and attention to your feet help safeguard against foot infections, which can be uncomfortable or even keep you from your daily walk in Brooklyn, NYC. Foot infections range from slightly bothersome to severe. This article discusses the care and prevention of a diabetic foot infection and fungal foot infections of both the skin and toenails. At our convenient locations, including Brooklyn, NYC, a top-rated podiatrist at Best Foot Doctor NY can provide the treatment you require.
Prevention Is Key for Diabetic Foot Infections in Brooklyn, NYC
If you have diabetes, your Brooklyn, NYC physician has likely instructed you to monitor your feet closely. People with diabetes may have disorders that make their feet more prone to injury and infection and slower to heal. These disorders include:
- Diabetic neuropathy is a condition of decreased sensation or feeling in the feet. This makes people with diabetes prone to foot injury or infection because they often do not realize an injury has occurred. An unnoticed injury could range from a minor scrape or blister to stepping on a nail unknowingly. These leave tissue vulnerable to infection.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition of compromised blood circulation to the lower legs and feet. Less blood flow decreases oxygen and nutrients to peripheral tissues, leading to slower healing—slower healing equals increased time when infection could set in.
Diabetic foot infections affect soft tissue or bones of the feet. Infections range from mild, possibly requiring antibiotics, to severe, potentially requiring hospitalization or surgery. Diabetic ulcers from prolonged pressure, often over a bony prominence, may become infected and have a lengthy recovery time.
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection and can become severe if not treated promptly. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we can perform special testing to determine the level of impaired sensation, check blood flow to your feet, and create a treatment plan for you.
How To Care for Your Feet To Avoid a Diabetic Foot Infection
- Wash and thoroughly dry your feet daily—including between your toes.
- After washing and drying, inspect your feet daily. Using a mirror is helpful, especially with limited mobility, to see the soles of your feet and between your toes—if you cannot, have someone inspect them for you.
- Moisturize your feet except between your toes, and put on a clean, dry pair of socks.
- Wear well-fitting shoes or specially designed diabetic footwear to protect feet from injuries and infections. Avoid shoes that create areas of pressure or rubbing. If you are unsure of the fit of your shoes, be sure to ask at your next podiatric appointment.
- Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, feeling warm to the touch, induration (thickening or hardening of the skin), pain, and fever. Seek prompt medical attention if you have signs of infection.
- It is important to have a podiatrist address calluses, corns, and even sometimes nail trimming to prevent diabetic foot infection. Our team can help.
- Get a thorough diabetic foot examination regularly by a top-rated podiatrist at Best Foot Doctor NY. Address concerns for diabetic foot infections and prevention early to keep your feet healthy.
Fungal Foot Infections: Prompt Attention Prevents the Spread or Worsening of Symptoms
Athlete’s Foot:
If you have a red, scaly, peeling rash with itching, stinging, or burning, it may be tinea pedis, a fungal infection of the skin of the feet, commonly known as athlete’s foot. Untreated, it can worsen, becoming a foot infection with blisters and leaving open areas vulnerable to bacteria.
Over-the-counter treatments for athlete’s foot can usually resolve this condition, but contact our team if you are having trouble treating your athlete’s foot. People with diabetes are at increased risk of foot infection. If you have diabetes and suspect athlete’s foot, don’t delay your visit to Best Foot Doctor NY in Brooklyn, NYC, for customized treatment to prevent exacerbating your foot infection.
How to prevent athlete’s foot:
- Wash and thoroughly dry feet and between toes daily.
- Wear clean socks daily—changing as needed to keep them dry.
- Alternate shoes to allow drying time.
- Wear shoes or non-slip waterproof sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and around pools.
- Allow feet to air out.
Toenail Fungus
If your toenails are discolored, thickened, brittle, or deformed, you may have a fungal toenail infection, onychomycosis/tinea unguium, commonly known as toenail fungus. Over-the-counter treatments can be ineffective because the fungus is beneath the toenail. Since toenail infections can be challenging to treat, especially with diabetes, it is best to visit Best Foot Doctor NY for an effective customized toenail fungus treatment to avoid it worsening and spreading.
How to prevent toenail fungus:
- Wash and fully dry your feet and between your toes daily.
- Wear shoes or waterproof sandals in public showers, locker rooms, and at home if a household member has a fungal foot infection.
- Change to clean, dry socks daily.
- Use clean nail clippers.
Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Feet in Brooklyn, NYC
Foot infections of any type or severity can negatively impact your quality of life. Whether it is an embarrassing fungal infection or a debilitating diabetic foot infection, your best course of action is personalized treatment with the latest advancements. Our team at Best Foot Doctor NY will provide the high-quality podiatric care you deserve. Contact us for an appointment today.