3 Questions to Ask Us At Your Next Diabetic Foot Care Appointment

If you are one of the 28.7 million people in the United States diagnosed with diabetes, you know there are many things you need to do to manage your condition. But did you know one of these is diabetic foot care?

At Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, we recommend yearly checkups for people with diabetes to avoid possible complications. But it’s also a great opportunity to ask any questions, a practice we highly encourage.

Payam Sarraf, DPM, Kate Kennedy, DPM, Katy Statler, DPM, Andrew Goodeill, DPM, Christopher Van Damme, DPM, Amelia Harris, DPM, and Sina Safar, DPM offer efficient and helpful diabetic foot care appointments as well as a space to ask questions about your health and lifestyle.

Understanding your diabetic foot care appointment

Neuropathy is a common symptom of diabetes. It occurs because high blood sugar damages nerves, especially in the feet. Depending on certain factors, anywhere from 6%-51% of people with diabetes experience neuropathy.

That means people with diabetes are at higher risk of experiencing problems with their feet. When you have nerve damage, you’re less likely to notice if you hurt your feet. It also hinders healing. For those reasons, foot care is essential.

That means you need to visit Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers so we can determine if your feet are healthy, if you’re in danger of developing neuropathy, or if you have wounds that may have gone unnoticed. But part of the appointment is ensuring you know what to ask.

3 things to ask our team at your diabetic foot care appointment

Ask these questions at your next appointment.

1. Is there anything I can do to better protect the health of my feet?

No matter how much you do to take care of yourself, there are always things you can do better. And since you need your feet to do pretty much everything, we think it’s worth it to strive for better protection.

Our team will have some suggestions for how to better care for your feet. For example, we may suggest wearing socks and shoes at all times or washing your feet daily. We might also be able to show you a safer way of cutting your toenails.

2. What should I do if there is a problem with my feet?

While prevention is key, it’s also helpful to talk to us about common foot problems. Knowing what to do when there is a problem could make a significant difference in the long-term health of your feet.

You also need to recognize the symptoms of specific issues. For example, we’ll explain the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, so you can be on the lookout for it. We can also tell you what to do if you experience other conditions and when it’s prudent to make an appointment.

3. Should I schedule an appointment more than once a year?

In some cases, you may need to visit us more than once a year. That could be because of high blood sugar levels, medical history, or other reasons. While we recommend annual podiatrist visits for people with diabetes, we understand that everyone is different. We will help you set up an appointment schedule that meets your needs.

Living with diabetes — and healthy feet

You can keep your feet healthy while living with diabetes. But to do so, it’s best to prioritize at-home care, vigilance, and a relationship with your podiatrist.

Visit one of our Arizona locations today. Our providers are available and happy to help you care for your feet. Call today, or schedule your next appointment online!