Managing your diabetes is a team effort between you and your doctors. But, you might be missing a crucial team member if you don’t see a podiatrist for regular diabetic foot care. Diabetes can have highly damaging effects on your feet and ankles, including foot ulcers and infections. At Wake Foot and Ankle Center in Wake Forest, North Carolina, the expert podiatry team uses proven diabetic management strategies and treatments to help you stay healthy. Board-certified podiatrists James Judge, DPM, and Michael Hodos, DPM, are ready to help, so call the office or schedule online now.
Diabetes affects your feet in several ways, with the most common problem being diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) caused by high blood glucose levels. About 50% of diabetes sufferers have nerve damage, which can cause issues like numbness, pins-and-needles sensations, and burning pain.
Many diabetes sufferers get small injuries on their feet but don’t know it because of neuropathy. This often leads to injury aggravation, like constantly walking on an untreated cut on your heel.
Diabetes also affects your circulation, which means you may have too little blood going to your feet. Because your blood contains growth factors integral in the healing process, poor circulation can lead to slow-healing wounds and foot ulcers.
In a diabetes sufferer, many foot problems, including ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, hammertoes, and other issues, can quickly grow very serious far faster than they would in a healthy individual.
From custom orthotics and prescription diabetic shoes to wound care and other specialized treatments, Wake Forest Foot and Ankle can help you prevent and manage all types of diabetic foot problems.
The American Diabetes Association® advises everyone with diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, to undergo an annual foot exam. Your yearly foot exam is crucial for identifying the problems that could lead to long-term complications like foot or limb loss.
Annual exams emphasize preventive foot care, but if you suddenly develop new problems or notice foot changes, such as difficulty healing a foot wound, foot warmth, or bruising, it’s important to see your Wake Forest Foot and Ankle podiatrist promptly.
Diabetic foot care at Wake Forest Foot and Ankle is only one part of a healthy feet plan. At-home care is vital, too. Some good practices include:
Your podiatrist may have additional tips for diabetic foot care at home. Prevention is key to long-term podiatric health!
For any type of diabetes foot care, call Wake Forest Foot and Ankle or book with the online booking tool today.
