If you're a diabetic senior, you need to be more concerned about foot injuries and ailments than the average person. Ingrown toenails, a little cut on the toe, and bruises might be a minor issue for most, but due to the decreased circulation that diabetics suffer, they could lead to dangerous infections for you. Thus, it's important to do all that you can to protect your feet, including following these tips.  

Wear shoes with socks all of the time.

If you're not in the habit of wearing shoes in your own home or yard, now is the time to change that. If you step on something sharp or stub your toe, you could be looking at some serious consequences. Invest in a comfortable pair of house shoes, and get into the habit of putting them on first thing in the morning. Make sure you're wearing socks with your shoes so you don't develop blisters or scrapes. Always wash your socks after every use so they do not build up bacteria that could contribute to an infection.

Inspect your feet daily.

As a diabetic, you may not have as much feeling in your feet as the average person. Thus, it is possible for you to develop a little cut or sore and not notice it until it gets pretty serious. Inspecting your feet each day will ensure that problems are detected early. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your podiatrist. Don't wait and hope it gets better on its own – it may get worse.

Have someone trim your toenails for you.

If you're like most seniors, reaching and seeing your toenails has become a bit tough! Instead of struggling to trim them yourself, have someone you trust trim them for you. This way, you'll have a lower risk of trimming them improperly and developing ingrown toenails, and also a lower risk of nicking yourself.

See a podiatrist for preventative care.

Don't wait until something goes wrong with your feet to make an appointment with a podiatrist. It's best to seek out a podiatrist and visit for regular checkups, so when something does go wrong, your podiatrist has a better sense of what is "normal" for you. Also, preventative appointments can ensure issues like ingrown nails and corns are detected when they're still minor.

It is possible to be a diabetic senior with healthy feet! Follow the steps above to protect yourself, and your feet will repay you with years of comfort and health. For further assistance, contact a local podiatrist, such as one from West Central Podiatry Consultants.