Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can affect circulation and nerve function in the feet, making regular podiatric care an essential part of managing your overall health and avoiding serious complications.
Request an AppointmentDiabetes can reduce blood flow and damage nerves in the feet over time, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. This combination makes it easier for small cuts, blisters, or pressure sores to go unnoticed and harder for them to heal, which can lead to infections and, in severe cases, more serious complications.
What to Watch For
If you have diabetes, it’s important to be alert for:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet
- Cuts, blisters, or sores that are slow to heal
- Changes in skin color or temperature
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Thickened, discolored, or ingrown toenails
Our Diabetic Foot Care Services
We offer comprehensive care designed specifically for patients managing diabetes, including:
- Routine foot exams to check circulation and nerve function
- Early detection and treatment of sores, calluses, and skin changes
- Nail care, including treatment for toenail fungus and ingrown toenails
- Custom orthotics or diabetic shoes to reduce pressure points
- Wound care and infection management
- Patient education on daily foot care and self-checks
Preventing Complications
Consistent diabetic foot care is one of the most effective ways to prevent complications like ulcers or, in advanced cases, amputation. We recommend regular checkups even if you aren’t experiencing any obvious foot problems, since nerve damage can mask pain that would otherwise signal an issue. We also treat related conditions such as athlete’s foot, warts, and arthritis, which can require extra care in diabetic patients.
At-Home Tips for Diabetic Patients
Between visits, checking your feet daily, keeping them clean and moisturized, wearing well-fitted shoes, and never going barefoot can all help reduce your risk. If you notice any changes, don’t wait for your next scheduled visit; call our office right away.
We also provide specialized geriatric foot care for older diabetic patients and offer fall risk assessments, since neuropathy can affect balance and stability. If you’re new to our practice, visit our new patients page or meet the doctor before your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should diabetic patients see a podiatrist?
Most diabetic patients benefit from a foot exam at least once a year, though your podiatrist may recommend more frequent visits depending on your circulation, nerve function, and foot health.
Why is diabetic foot care so important?
Diabetes can reduce circulation and nerve sensation in the feet, making small injuries harder to notice and slower to heal, which increases the risk of infection.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar, often resulting in numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation in the feet.
Can diabetic foot problems be prevented?
Yes, regular podiatric checkups, daily foot self-checks, proper footwear, and good blood sugar control can significantly reduce the risk of complications.
What should I do if I notice a sore that isn’t healing?
Contact our office right away. Slow-healing sores in diabetic patients can lead to infection if not treated promptly.
Do you provide diabetic shoes or custom orthotics?
Yes, we offer custom orthotics and can recommend diabetic footwear to help reduce pressure points and prevent sores.
Is diabetic foot care covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, offer some coverage for diabetic foot care. Our office can help verify your specific benefits.
