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Waldorf Office

(301)-843-9581

Clinton Office

(301)-868-3899

California Office

(301)-690-6044

Summer Foot Care Tips for Diabetics

With warmer weather comes more time outside enjoying summer activities. At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle we want to help our patients who have diabetes to have fun but also to be safe. Due to the nature of the disease, patients with diabetes have to be extra careful about injuring their feet or developing an infection, both of which can be difficult to heal and may quickly become a serious medical threat. Below are some ways to protect your feet this summer:

  • Always wear shoes. Yes, it’s tempting to kick them off and go barefoot but so many injuries can be prevented by your footwear. Whether it’s sharp shells or a washed up jellyfish on the beach or uneven concrete around the pool, shoes can help you avoid cuts and puncture wounds. Water shoes are suggested for swimming in lakes and the ocean.

  • Stay away from fungi. Wearing something on your feet can also greatly reduce your risk of coming in contact with fungi and bacteria that can cause athlete’s foot and fungal nails. However, never wear someone else’s shoes and keep your feet dry by changing socks frequently and using foot powder. If you get salon pedicures, make sure tools and foot baths are properly sanitized.

  • Use sunscreen. Your feet are just as susceptible to sunburn as the rest of your body. Even if you’re just out running errands in sandals, apply sunscreen to your feet. If you take your shoes off to sunbathe, apply to the bottom of your feet as well.

  • Choose proper footwear. In order to avoid fractures, sprains and strains, always wear the correct shoes for the activity you will be participating in—flip flops for beach volleyball could mean an early shut out for you.

Be sure to also keep up with your daily foot care regimen, including checking your feet for changes and calling our Waldorf or Clinton office for an appointment if you notice anything unusual or an injury does occur. Our foot doctor, Larry Hotchkiss, DPM will want to see you right away to treat any problem no matter how minor and prevent it from becoming a serious issue. Have fun in the sun and take good care of your feet!

Our Locations

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule (Closed for Lunch from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm)

Clinton Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Waldorf Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

California Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed