Diabetic Feet

How does diabetes affect foot health?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that prevents your body from converting glucose into energy. It also causes widespread problems, including limiting circulation and damaging your peripheral nervous system. 

One of the primary ways diabetes impacts foot health is by disruptions in the transmission of pain signals between your brain and the nerves in your feet. This means you can sustain cuts, abrasions, or ulcers on your feet without realizing it. 

Limited circulation inhibits your body’s natural healing ability, allowing even minor sores and scrapes to quickly develop into serious wounds. Left untreated, a simple foot sore can escalate into the need for foot amputation.  

When should I see a specialist for diabetic feet issues?

Diabetics have special foot health needs, and learning how to care for your feet at home is a critical part of managing diabetes. Daily foot inspections will help you catch sores, blisters, or cuts in the early stages when treatment is often most effective. 

Be sure to schedule a diagnostic exam any time you notice changes in the surface of the skin on the top or bottom of your feet. You should also book a visit if you experience a significant decline in foot sensations, or notice unusual tingling, burning, or stinging. 

What kinds of treatments are available for diabetic foot health?

Diabetics should work closely with a skilled podiatrist to maintain optimal foot health. Periodic diabetic foot care visits allow your doctor to check your feet for signs of damage. 

These visits are customized to meet your specific needs. Treating ingrown toenails, trimming nails, or removing thickened skin are commonly performed services. 

If a wound is present, your podiatrist will carefully clean the area, remove damaged tissue, and bandage the affected skin. A process called offloading may be needed to change the distribution of weight on the bottom of your foot, giving the wound a chance to heal without ongoing pressure and damage. 

Advanced Foot & Ankle Center urges diabetic patients to consider coming in for wound care as opposed to visiting an emergency room where you will likely wait longer to be seen and pay significantly more for treatment. 

Appointments can often be booked the same or next day, and wait times are usually within five minutes of the scheduled appointment time. Call today to set up a visit or schedule using the online tool.