Diabetic Foot Care: 4 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

Maintaining healthy habits during the holidays is something almost everyone struggles with, whether they’re willing to admit it or not. And when you’re living with diabetes, this can mean managing your blood sugar as well as issues associated with diabetic neuropathy. For most, this focuses almost exclusively on good foot care. 

At Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, we love to prevent problems before they require treatment. Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, believe it’s important to provide you with the best tips for keeping your feet — and everything else — healthy during the holiday season, so you don’t have to spend January in the clinic.

Why the holidays see an increase in diabetic neuropathy issues 

There are a number of reasons you might experience problems with your diabetes and feet during the holiday season. 

For one, sweets, alcohol, and other treats are often available in abundance, and it can be hard to say no. If you overindulge, you might see more issues during this time of the year with uncontrolled blood sugar and all that goes with it.

In addition, the colder weather means wearing different types of shoes and experiencing different issues than in the summer, something that could make a problem affected by diabetic neuropathy worse. 

Finally, it’s common to get out of your routine during the holidays, causing you to forget to check your feet. 

All these issues can make caring for diabetic feet more difficult during the holiday season. That’s why we recommend a few gentle tips to keep yourself healthy as you navigate this time of year. 

4 tips for keeping your feet healthy during the holidays 

1. Don’t strive for flawlessness

You may be shocked to see this suggestion here, but in our experience, those who attempt to avoid all sweets, treats, and other diabetic dangers during the holidays usually wind up disappointing themselves. Cutting yourself off from everything fun and delicious while others are indulging can make you resentful and more likely to fall off the wagon in a big way. 

Don’t try to be flawless. Instead, have a plan for how you can have fun with others in a way that isn’t too indulgent. This will help you avoid getting frustrated and possibly chucking the whole healthy plan out the window. If you need ideas on what you should and shouldn’t do with your particular numbers, just make an appointment; we’re happy to help. 

2. Find ways to stay in your routine 

You probably have a routine of checking your feet daily, washing them with soap and water, and visiting your doctor regularly. If you’re traveling for the holidays, this might make sticking to your routine harder, but consider the importance and make sure to weave it into your plans. 

For example, see your podiatrist before you leave town, and when you’re talking to your loved ones about staying with them, mention that you need to have a bathroom near your room so you can wash your feet and inspect them thoroughly each day. Your family will likely be glad to accommodate your needs to ensure your continued health and wellness. 

3. Don’t go barefoot — even if you’re someplace warm 

We understand the temptation: Snowbirds who travel for the holidays love to kick off their shoes in the sunny weather, and having a practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, means we’re no strangers to warmer winters. 

But no matter where you go or stay this holiday season, make sure you wear shoes, indoors as well as out. You’ll be grateful when you avoid cuts, scrapes, and other problems that could worsen your diabetic neuropathy quickly.

4. Fly safe, fly smart 

When you live with diabetes, flying can add a number of additional concerns. Remember to ask for special dispensation to keep your diabetic shoes on at checkpoints (you can even get a note from our clinic), and make sure you pack any and all moisturizers you’ll need after you land. We recommend placing them in your checked luggage to make the process smoother.

Ho-ho-ho through the holidays 

You don’t want to experience problems with your feet while sailing into the new year. If you’re careful and considerate of your usual routine, and you allow yourself to have a little fun without going overboard, you should have a great holiday season! 

For help making sure you’re all set for a healthy holiday season, schedule an appointment at Southwest Foot & Ankle today by calling our office at 480-900-7399 or booking a visit online.