Diabetic Care Specialist

How does diabetes affect my feet?

Diabetes puts you at risk for nerve damage and vascular problems, both of which cause or at least contribute to a number of foot problems. 

People with diabetes who don't manage their blood sugar well can develop nerve damage (neuropathy) in the feet, leading to numbness and poor blood flow to the lower extremities, leading to slow wound healing. This means that a small cut or scrape could potentially become a serious ulcerated wound that won't heal without you even feeling any pain. 

People who suffer from diabetes are also more likely to develop foot issues like bunions, corns, calluses, toenail fungus, and ingrown toenails because of nerve and vascular system damage. 

How do I take care of my feet when I have diabetes?

As a diabetes sufferer, it's important to take a proactive stance regarding both your whole-body health and your foot health. 

Foot exam at home

Check all parts of your feet and ankles every day, as part of your post-bathing, or showering routine. Look for new bruises, red skin, blisters, lacerations, punctures, and any other changes in and around your feet and ankles.

Foot protection

Apply lotion to prevent dryness and cracking, and trim your toenails regularly. Always wear clean, thick, and breathable socks, and never go barefoot even in your home. Proper footwear is another important part of protecting your feet. You need supportive, comfortable shoes that let your feet breathe. 

In addition to good care at home, you need a professional diabetic foot exam with the Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists team at least once a year. This is a wellness check-up for your feet, and all diabetes sufferers should have this exam because of the elevated risk of foot problems. 

What kind of diabetic foot care is available for complications?

Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists offers customized diabetic foot care for diabetes complications like foot ulcers, ankle ulcers, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet. 

Customized care can include wound dressing, ulcer care, including necrotic tissue removal, and custom orthotics or footwear to relieve pressure on damaged areas of your foot. You may also need treatment to stimulate circulation in your legs and feet. It's important to get treatment before tissue damage spreads and forces you to have a toe, foot, or leg amputation.

Take the first step in keeping your feet and ankles healthy as a diabetes sufferer now. Call the Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists office nearest you or book an appointment online today for diabetic foot care.