Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

Why do podiatrists provide diabetic care?

People with diabetes are prone to developing issues with their feet as a result of nerve damage, reduced circulation, and skin problems. Once problems set in, they can develop into more serious wounds and infections that may not respond to treatment. It’s not unusual for people with severe diabetes to need a foot amputated as a result of their condition, so foot care is an essential part of maintaining good health if you’re diabetic.

Can diabetic foot problems be prevented?

The best way to avoid the more serious complications of diabetes is to adopt a healthy lifestyle and take good care of your feet. People with diabetes should:

• Get regular exercise
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Minimize their intake of simple sugars
• Monitor and control their blood sugar
• Have regular podiatric exams

Regularly checking your feet is essential if you have diabetes. You may not be aware of problems developing in your feet because of the nerve damage caused by diabetic neuropathy. If you don’t examine your feet every day, small problems can become major issues.

Look and feel for any changes in your feet such as:

• Skin color changes
• Loss of hair on your toes
• Thickened, yellowing toenails
• Dry, cracked skin
• Blisters or sores
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Pain
• Inability to detect touch
• Not detecting heat and cold accurately
• Cuts or skin damage

Check your feet for any of these signs each day, and wash your feet in mild soap and warm water. Dry them thoroughly, and don’t forget about between your toes, which is a prime breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. You may find it a challenge to cut your own toenails, and if you have reduced sensation or circulatory problems, you should leave any trimming to your podiatrist.

How does a podiatrist treat diabetic foot problems?

Your podiatrist at City Podiatry can offer excellent advice and support to help you take care of your feet and spot any problems that need attention. A routine checkup enables them to assess the condition of your feet and help with suitable moisturizing treatments, or they may prescribe special shoes, braces, or orthotics that help alleviate pressure on your feet.

Your podiatrist can treat and remove any corns or calluses without risk of damaging your skin. They review X-rays of your feet to analyze the health of the internal structures and look for pressure points that could cause ulcers to develop. They can carry out circulation and nerve function testing to check for signs of neuropathy or reduced circulation in your feet, and prescribe appropriate treatment if needed.

The goal of diabetic foot care is to prevent more serious complications occurring, and the American Diabetes Association recommends you have a podiatric checkup at least every six months, or more frequently if you already have high-risk foot problems. Call City Podiatry or use online booking to schedule your checkup today.