Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care uses prescription medication, routine check-ups, and healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of diabetes-related foot conditions like ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, and infection.

If you have diabetes, you’re also more likely to experience poor circulation and nerve damage in your feet. If your nerves don’t work properly and you step on a sharp object, like a nail, you might not realize it. Over time, that open wound might become infected, resulting in gangrene or the need for amputation.

Diabetic foot care tries to prevent these and other issues from happening in the first place. The team at Gentle Foot and Ankle Care can educate you on how to keep your feet healthy and problem-free. 

How often should I participate in diabetic foot care?

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes –– regardless of type –– it’s important to visit Gentle Foot and Ankle Care at least once a year. Regular check-ups can alert you to potential issues early on when they’re most responsive to treatment.

Follow these guidelines even if your feet and toes appear healthy. The team at Gentle Foot and Ankle Care adjusts your treatment regularly, to align with your age, medical history, and needs.

Does diabetes present foot-related symptoms?

Yes. Diabetes causes various symptoms that affect the feet, including:

• Changes in skin color
• Ingrown toenails
• Toenail fungus
• Leg pain
• Foot and ankle swelling
• Corns and calluses

If you have diabetes, you might also notice the skin around your heel is dry and flaky.

What happens during a diabetic foot care appointment?

At Gentle Foot and Ankle Care, a diabetic foot care appointment begins with a discussion of your symptoms and a review of your health history. 

Afterward, your provider physically examines your feet and ankles and orders laboratory testing, including an A1C test to measure your blood sugar. 

If the team determines you have diabetes, they develop a custom treatment plan that aligns with your needs. Usually, that includes a combination of prescription medication (like insulin), regular exercise, and routine foot care appointments.

Do I need to practice diabetic foot care at home?

Yes. If you have diabetes, it’s important to practice diabetic foot care at home. To ensure your feet and toes stay healthy, Gentle Foot and Ankle Care recommends:

• Inspecting your feet daily
• Washing your feet in warm water
• Cutting your nails straight across
• Wearing socks at all times
• Keeping your feet warm and dry
• Quitting smoking

It’s also important to monitor your diabetes. Check your blood sugar regularly, eat a balanced diet, and take any medications as prescribed.

To learn more about the benefits of diabetic foot care, make an appointment at Gentle Foot and Ankle Care by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.