Diabetic Foot Care

About 85% of diabetes-related amputations could be prevented, and diabetic foot care is the main way you can do that. At Foot and Ankle Specialists, with offices in Summit and Hamilton, New Jersey, the team of knowledgeable diabetic foot care experts provides foot exams, treatment of chronic wounds, and preventive care conveniently on-site. Call the office in your area or click on the online scheduling feature for an appointment now.

Why do people with diabetes need diabetic foot care?

Every person with diabetes needs diabetic foot care. Having diabetes, you’re prone to serious conditions, such as: 

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage in your extremities, most often the feet. This results from poorly controlled blood sugar.

Peripheral neuropathy causes numbness, tingling, and other nerve-related issues in the feet. It’s common to miss foot wounds due to numbness, which can lead to wound worsening and serious complications.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

PAD occurs when plaque (made of cholesterol and other substances) builds up inside artery walls. This is quite common among people with diabetes. PAD causes the arteries to narrow, which cuts down on the blood reaching your feet. 

Because of PAD, you can’t heal like you normally would. So, a wound can steadily worsen and grow infected. 

The combination of peripheral neuropathy and PAD may cause non-healing wounds and could even lead to an amputation if you don’t get proper wound care. 

When do I need diabetic foot care?

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, seeing a podiatrist twice a year (every six months or so) is essential to diabetic foot care because it can help you avoid complications and amputation. 

While your exams are a vital part of health maintenance, they focus mainly on preventing peripheral neuropathy and other diabetic foot problems. If you experience a new foot problem of any kind, schedule a visit to Foot and Ankle Specialists quickly. 

Even a tiny cut, blister, or other small issue can quickly worsen due to diabetes, so catching and treating these issues early is extremely important. 

What are the diabetic foot care rules to follow at home?

Foot and Ankle Specialists recommends a personalized plan for home foot care between your visits. Some general rules include:

• Examine your feet daily
• Wash and dry your feet daily (lukewarm water)
• Apply quality moisturizer on your feet (but not between toes)
• Trim your nails in a straight line (avoid cutting too short)
• Wear dry socks, changing as needed during the day
• Never go barefoot, even inside
• Don’t smoke (it worsens circulation)

Diabetic foot problems stem from high blood sugar, so you should work with your medical doctor to control it. This may include diet changes and medication. 

Good diabetic foot care leads to happy feet and healthy patients. Call Foot and Ankle Specialists or click online scheduling now.