Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

How does diabetes affect my feet?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that prevents your body from effectively converting food into energy. It’s characterized by high blood sugar and causes widespread health problems in virtually every organ and system in your body. 

People with diabetes usually have poor circulation, and healthy blood flow is a critical part of your body’s innate healing abilities. Nerve damage is also common among diabetics, and many have little-to-no feeling in their feet.

This is a dangerous combination, as you can cut or otherwise damage the soles of your feet and not feel anything at all. Poor circulation prevents normal healing, and something as simple as a small cut or an ingrown toenail can quickly become a serious wound that cannot heal on its own.   

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care allows you to partner with a skilled podiatrist to ensure your feet are as healthy as possible. It provides a chance to have an experienced medical specialist evaluate your feet to search for signs of concern. 

Coming in for routine diabetic foot care visits allows your practitioner to check your feet and trim your toenails in a way that reduces the risk of an ingrown nail or ragged cuticles. These visits help catch damaged skin in the earliest possible stage, when treatment is most effective. 

Many people with diabetes experience advanced infection in their feet. Left untreated, a seemingly minor podiatric problem can lead to the eventual amputation of an affected foot, so don’t delay coming in for your comprehensive diabetic foot care visit. 

How can I support my diabetic foot care needs at home?

Between your professional diabetic foot care visits, you should embrace a thorough at-home foot care routine to keep your feet healthy. Though it may take a little longer to pay special attention to your feet, the rewards are substantial. 

Begin by thoroughly washing your feet every day, including the skin between your toes and around your toenails. Dry your feet immediately afterward. As you complete these steps, take the time to carefully check your feet for any signs of cuts, scrapes, or sores. 

Never go barefoot, as the risk of stepping on something sharp is simply too high. Be sure to wear a clean pair of absorbent socks every day, and choose shoes that fit properly and don’t cause blisters to develop. 

Allowing your diabetic foot care professional to trim your toenails is the best course of action. If you need to trim them yourself between office visits, be sure to cut the nails straight across without rounding the edges. A nail file can help smooth any rough edges.

People with diabetes should never soak their feet or attempt to cut away calluses or corns. Working with a podiatrist is the best way to prevent foot ulcers (sores) and reduce your risk of a serious foot infection. 

If you’re ready to schedule a diabetic foot care visit, call the office to schedule an appointment, or book online in just moments.