How to Prevent Foot Ulcers

When you have diabetes, you're prone to developing foot ulcers. This is due to neurological and vascular complications in your body caused by the diabetes. Foot ulcers typically appear at the pressure points at the bottom of your feet. If you're prone to foot ulcers, you'll want to use techniques to prevent them.

Instructions

• 1

  Work with your doctor to manage your diabetes. You may need to make adjustments to your insulin in order to successfully prevent foot ulcers.

• 2

  Cut down on the amount of salt in your food. If you successfully manage your salt intake and blood pressure, you'll see a decrease in the number of foot ulcers you develop over time.

• 3

  Exercise to improve circulation. Poor circulation can often cause a person to get foot ulcers. Ask your doctor for exercise recommendations and start walking at least half an hour a day. To help with circulation, you may also want to elevate your legs at night.

• 4

  Watch your weight. Overweight persons put themselves at an increased risk for foot ulcers. Start a healthy low-fat diet to lose the weight and prevent further occurrences of foot ulcers.

• 5

  Stop smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of developing foot ulcers than non-smokers.