November is National Diabetes Month
This is a time to raise awareness about diabetes and how to live well with it. One area that deserves special attention is foot health. People with diabetes face a higher risk of foot problems, but many of these can be prevented through simple, consistent habits.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a helpful visual guide, “Tips for Healthy Feet,” featuring easy-to-remember steps:
- Check your feet everyday: Look for cuts, redness, swelling, sores, blisters, corns, or calluses. Daily checks help catch small problems before they become serious. Tip: Use a mirror or ask a loved one to help you see the bottoms of your feet.
- Wash your feet every day: Use warm (not hot) water and dry them thoroughly—especially between your toes.
- Never go barefoot — even indoors: Walking barefoot increases the risk of cuts and injuries that you might not feel.
- Wear shoes that fit well and always wear socks: Poorly fitting shoes can cause blisters or sores. Socks provide added protection and reduce friction.
- Trim your toenails straight across: Avoid cutting too short or rounding the corners, which can cause ingrown nails. Smooth sharp edges with a nail file.
- Don’t try to remove corns or calluses yourself: Self-treatment can lead to wounds or infection. Visit our podiatrist for safe, professional care.
- Get your feet checked at every health care visit: See a foot doctor at least once a year to detect circulation, nerve, or skin issues early.
How Our Podiatry Team Can Help
At Eaton Rapids Medical Center, our Podiatry Services are led by board-certified podiatrist Gene Rohacz, D.P.M., who specializes in a full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions — including diabetic foot care.
Our podiatry clinic offers:
• Comprehensive foot health evaluations to assess circulation, nerve function, and skin integrity
• Professional care for calluses, corns, nails, and skin
• Orthotic assessments to improve alignment and reduce pressure points
• Personalized education and prevention strategies
If you’re living with diabetes — or simply want to keep your feet healthy — schedule a visit with Dr. Gene Rohacz today!
Let’s use National Diabetes Month as a reminder to step into better foot health — one step at a time.
Source: CDC – Tips for Healthy Feet
