What is Diabetic Foot Care?

Diabetes is a leading chronic condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide. With proper medical management, you can live a healthy life and avoid complications. However, diabetes may lead to health complications, including leg numbness, swelling, skin discoloration, and foot ulcers, when not treated. Diabetic foot care is critical to prevent these issues and improve your health. The diabetic foot care The Woodlands specialist provides comprehensive foot care to help people with diabetes live a healthy life. Keep reading to learn how diabetic foot care can benefit you.

Why do you need diabetic foot care?

Did you know that you risk leg amputation when you have diabetes? Diabetic foot care can help you prevent that and better your life. The Foot and Ankle Specialists team offers specialized care to help you live a healthy life with diabetes.

High blood sugar levels cause damage to your small veins and nerves in the feet. Diabetic foot care can prevent and treat issues that result from diabetes.

Nerve damage in your feet causes pain, tingling, and numbness and develops with time, a condition known as peripheral neuropathy. The loss of feeling makes you not feel cuts, sores, bruises, or calluses on your feet. As a result, you end up not getting treatment.

Diabetes also damages the blood vessels, restricting blood flow to these foot wounds. Lack of adequate blood supply leads to slow healing. The wounds also become bigger, developing into an ulcer that does not heal without intensive wound care.

What causes neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy may occur for different reasons, including if you have a pinched nerve between your back and toes. It may also develop from an underlying condition besides diabetes. They include diseases that damage your nerves, such as autoimmune diseases, nutritional deficiencies, and bacterial infections.

Your provider performs tests to diagnose and monitor the progression of peripheral neuropathy. They also conduct blood work and additional testing to determine if you have degenerative damage. They create a customized treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

How to practice diabetic foot care?

You can prevent diabetic foot complications by practicing a daily routine that may include cleaning, examining, and moisturizing your feet. The routine can help detect problems and seek early medical care.

Please seek treatment at Foot and Ankle Specialist of The Woodlands when you notice changes in your feet. Some notable symptoms include swelling, sores, cuts or blisters, cracks in your skin, or changes in skin color. It’s advisable to schedule an appointment if you have foot deformities such as bunions or foot problems like ingrown toenails.

What diabetic foot care services are available?

You should schedule frequent visits for foot care if you have diabetes. Diabetic foot care may also be necessary if you have a history of diabetic ulcers. It includes thorough foot examinations and tests for reflexes and sensations.

Diabetic foot care may include wound care, foot care education, custom orthotics, ulcer cleaning and dressing, medication, and treatment for foot issues.

Contact the Foot and Ankle Specialists of The Woodlands today to schedule your consultation.