Diabetic Foot Care
For patients with diabetes, foot care is not just about comfort—it is a critical part of limb preservation. Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation (vasculopathy), which means small injuries like a blister or a cut can quickly turn into a serious infection or a non-healing ulcer.
Professional Podiatry Services
Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam: An annual assessment where the podiatrist checks your pulses, tests for sensation (feeling), and examines your skin for any early warning signs of breakdown.
Clinical Nail & Skin Debridement: Professional trimming of nails and removal of calluses to prevent pressure points that often lead to ulcers.
Wound Management: Advanced treatment for existing sores, using specialized dressings or offloading techniques to take pressure off the wound so it can heal.
Diabetic Shoe Fitting: Prescription of therapeutic footwear and inserts designed to protect the foot from friction and accommodate deformities like hammertoes.
Daily At-Home Care Tips
The Daily Inspection: Use a mirror to check the bottoms of your feet every day for redness, swelling, or cuts you might not feel.
Wash & Dry: Clean your feet daily in lukewarm water. Crucial: Dry thoroughly between the toes to prevent fungal infections.
Moisturize Safely: Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent cracking, but never between the toes as moisture buildup can cause infection.
Never Go Barefoot: Always wear shoes or slippers, even indoors, to protect your feet from stepping on sharp objects or burning them on hot surfaces.
When to Call the Podiatrist Immediately
You should seek urgent care if you notice any of the following:
An open sore or ulcer that is not healing.
Any foul-smelling drainage or pus.
A change in the color or temperature of your foot (e.g., turning very red or feeling hot).
New or worsening numbness, tingling, or burning.