Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects many parts of your body, including your feet. If you have diabetes, you need diabetic foot care to manage general foot health and any foot problems. Amir Azer, DPM, and the team at Total Foot and Ankle Care in Hurst and Dallas, Texas, provide comprehensive diabetic foot care, including assessments of nerve damage and circulation problems. To schedule your diabetic foot care appointment, call the office or book online today.

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care is a medical evaluation of the feet for people with diabetes. Diabetes is a long-term disease that causes high blood sugar. When you have too much sugar in your blood, it damages your blood vessels, tissues, and organs.

The blood vessels in your feet are tiny, making them more vulnerable to damage. People with diabetes are also at a greater risk of developing neuropathy (nerve damage) which affects sensation in the feet. Diabetes also weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.

If you have diabetes and injure your foot, you may not feel it because of the nerve damage. Additionally, the injury may not heal because of poor circulation. Without proper healing or care, your foot injury may turn into a serious foot problem or infection that requires limb amputation.

Diabetic foot care aims to prevent complications that lead to permanent damage. 

The team at Total Foot and Ankle Care has advanced training in diabetic foot care and wound care.

When do I need diabetic foot care?

If you have diabetes, diabetic foot care is part of your routine health management plan. Your podiatrist at Total Foot and Ankle Care determines how often you need to come in for monitoring and management.

If you have no foot problems and good blood sugar control, you may only need diabetic foot care once a year. However, if you have circulation problems or nerve damage, the team at Total Foot and Ankle Care may recommend more frequent visits to monitor foot health and provide routine care like toenail trimming and callus removal.

What can I expect during diabetic foot care?

You can expect a patient-focused exam when you visit Total Foot and Ankle Care for diabetic foot care. 

Your podiatrist asks detailed questions about your medical history, blood sugar numbers, daily routine, and foot concerns. They also ask about the type of shoes you wear and closely examine your feet. The team at Total Foot and Ankle Care assesses nerve damage and circulation problems, which helps direct care and monitoring. 

Your podiatrist talks to you about at-home foot care to prevent problems and recommends you schedule an appointment right away when you have any foot trauma or concern. Getting podiatry care right away is the best thing you can do to prevent complications.

If you have a wound that is not healing or may develop an infection, you receive diabetic wound care during your visit.

The team may also provide custom-made orthotics to protect your feet or recommend diabetic shoes. 

Your podiatrist schedules regular follow-up appointments based on your foot health needs. 

For expert diabetic foot care, call Total Foot and Ankle Care or schedule an appointment online today.