Diabetic Foot Care

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care focuses on preventing and treating foot problems caused by diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage the nerves (neuropathy) and reduce blood flow to the feet, making it more difficult for wounds to heal and easier for infections to develop.

Routine foot evaluations allow your physician to identify problems early and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Who should receive diabetic foot care?

Anyone with diabetes should have regular foot examinations, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. You may benefit from more frequent visits if you have:

• Numbness or tingling in your feet
• Poor circulation
• Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
• Thick or ingrown toenails
• A history of foot ulcers or amputation
• Difficulty safely trimming your own nails

What are the warning signs of a diabetic foot problem?

You should schedule an appointment if you notice:

• A cut or blister that is slow to heal
• Redness, swelling, or warmth
• Drainage from the skin or nail
• Changes in skin color
• New pain or loss of sensation
• Cracks, calluses, or open sores

Early treatment can often prevent more serious complications.

What treatments are available?

Treatment depends on your individual needs and may include routine foot examinations, nail and callus care, treatment of ingrown toenails, diabetic shoes and custom orthotics, ulcer prevention, wound care, and patient education on proper foot care at home.

If circulation problems or infection are present, your physician will coordinate additional treatment to help preserve your foot health.

If you have diabetes, regular foot care is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent serious complications. Call Metropolitan Foot and Ankle Specialists today or book an appointment online.