Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects nearly 30 million Americans. It influences the way your body processes and uses sugar. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar is consistently too high. High blood sugar can cause nerve damage, poor circulation, and other health issues that impact your overall wellbeing.
People with diabetes are at particular risk for severe foot problems, because numbness and poor circulation can mask pain from cuts, blisters, sores, and more. When you can’t feel a wound, you may not notice it until it advances and begins causing complications.
Taking care of your feet is crucial when you have diabetes. But managing your care on your own can be overwhelming. At The Foot & Ankle Specialists, Lisa Burson, DPM, Joe Aoun, DPM and the team offer the best in diabetic foot care, from diabetic neuropathy to slow-healing wounds.
Managing your diabetes often means more than monitoring your blood sugar. Find out why it’s so important to have a podiatrist on your diabetic care team to keep you healthy in the long run.
Having diabetes makes it more likely that you’ll experience foot ulcers and complications that can affect your mobility. But partnering with podiatry experts means that you have the expertise to keep your feet as healthy as possible. Preventive care, like regular foot checks, is the best way to avoid diabetic foot problems.
Routine diabetic foot checks should be part of your regular wellness exams. During your foot check, the doctors look for:
Our team is here to help you take care of your feet every day. We can give you tips for inspecting, washing, and drying your feet. Daily care not only reduces your risk of suffering foot damage, but it also gives you the opportunity to identify potential problems early on.
Trimming your toenails is an important part of caring for your feet. Sharp or long toenails increase your chances of cutting or damaging your feet accidentally. But circulatory and nerve problems can make clipping your own nails challenging.
Our podiatrists offer professional nail trimming services for people with diabetes. Routine nail trimming is always performed by one of our doctors and helps prevent ingrown toenails and open wounds.
Special shoes and shoe inserts are available to help protect your feet if you have diabetes. These footwear options are customized to your feet to prevent damage, and they can improve circulation and enhance your mobility.
If you do experience foot complications with diabetes, our podiatry team offers a range of treatment options. We work with you, helping your body heal itself and fight infection. With a podiatrist on your diabetic care team, you can be confident that you’ll get the best foot care available.
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that commonly affects feet. This condition can cause tingling, burning, or pins and needles sensations. In some cases, it can make your feet numb. This complication of diabetes can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of suffering foot injuries.
Foot ulcers are another common complication of diabetes. Diabetic ulcers and other slow-healing wounds require professional care to prevent infection and other health problems. Our podiatrists clean and dress wounds to promote healing.
We tailor your diabetic foot care based on the severity of your condition and your symptoms. Your treatment plan may include a combination of special footwear, antibiotics, or therapies like stem cell grafts to speed healing and reduce your risk of complications.
Find a partner in your diabetes management plan at The Foot & Ankle Specialists. Call us today, or book a consultation online.
