Diabetic Foot Care

How does my diabetes affect my feet?

Because your feet can be easily neglected, your diabetes may be causing injuries you don’t even notice. Some of the ways diabetes affects your feet are:

• Poor circulation
• Peripheral artery disease
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Calluses
• Foot ulcers
• Skin changes
• Charcot's foot

Getting diabetic foot care often and regularly could mean the difference between walking or needing a wheelchair.

What symptoms will I feel in my feet from diabetes?

Looking at your feet daily helps you quickly spot any changes in your skin and nails around your feet and ankles. With poor circulation, your skin begins to look dull and ashy.

If you develop neuropathy, you’ll have a tingling or numbness in your toes and feet. If your neuropathy goes on untreated, your bones begin breaking down and could become permanent, resulting in amputation.

With diabetes, small sores on your feet and ankles take longer to heal. Without early treatment, those sores develop into larger ulcers. Any of these conditions are dangerous, but having an educated and skilled podiatrist on your side makes keeping your feet healthy much easier.

Do I need a doctor for diabetic foot care?

Without comprehensive foot care, diabetic patients are more likely to have amputations than those with routine checkups.

At Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, the professional staff evaluates your feet and establishes individualized care for your feet. Your provider starts treatment on any current issues and helps you prevent future problems.

How can I protect my feet if I have diabetes?

Protection against diabetic foot problems begins with daily inspections. The experienced team recommends having a daily routine for protecting your feet like:

• Moisturizing to avoid cracking
• Wiggling your toes several times a day
• Shaking out your shoes for foreign objects
• Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
• Avoiding tight socks and shoes
• Soaking your feet in warm water

Seek treatment and prevention before any chronic issues, such as Charcot's foot, take hold. If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or have suffered from diabetes for a long time, contact the podiatrists at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers to schedule an appointment.