Diabetic Foot Care & Treatment

How Can Diabetes Affect My Feet?

Diabetes presents with two main issues which can cause problems for your feet. Both diabetic neuropathy (damage to your nerves) and peripheral vascular disease (restricted blood flow). With respect to your feet, sensory diabetic neuropathy is when you have damaged nerves in the feet wherein you may not feel heat, cold or pain. If you cannot feel these things in your feet, you become more prone to infection as a wound may worsen if you do not even know to care for it. With peripheral vascular disease this problem becomes more complex as without good blood flow in the arms, and in the case of podiatric issues the feet, it will take longer for your wound to heal. Worse still, an infected, non-healing wound can put a patient at risk of developing ulcers, or even cause death of the tissue otherwise known as gangrene.

There are several signs of a developing or worsening diabetic foot problem. If you have diabetes and experience any of these symptoms, you should contact the team here at Name Podiatry to schedule a consultation.

What Are Some Common Foot Problems with Diabetes?

There are several common foot problems which can affect virtually anyone. But for people with diabetes, these issues can lead to serious infection and may develop worsening complications which can lead to invasive surgical procedures or even amputation.

Treat these issues before complications develop from common foot problems with our proactive diabetic foot care tips.

Diabetic Foot Problem Indications:

  • Changes in skin color or temperature
  • Corns or calluses
  • Dry cracked skin (especially around the heel)
  • Ingrown toenails or toenail fungus Infection
  • Swelling in the foot or ankle
  • Open, non-healing or slow healing sores on the feet
  • Pain in the legs
  • Unusual Foot odor that will not go away with regular bathing
About one in five diabetic patients who visit the hospital do so with foot problems. Moreover, those with the condition can suffer from damaged nerves and reduced blood flow which can cause more serious complications. That's why foot care and maintenance is so important. The team at Namen Podiatry are specialists in treatment of diabetic foot conditions and are here to help keep your feet healthy and happy.

Dr. Namen helps diabetic patients restore or maintain health and wellness from these podiatric issues.

  • Abscess
  • Athlete’s Foot
  • Blisters
  • Bunions
  • Calluses
  • Charcot Foot
  • Corns
  • Deformities
  • Dry skin
  • Diabetic ulcers
  • Gangrene
  • Hammertoes
  • Ingrown Toenails
  • Nail Fungal Infection
  • Plantar warts
  • Skin & Bone Infections
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Diabetic Foot Care Tips:

  1. Make management of your diabetes and your overall health a priority. Consult with your primary doctor and follow their directive regarding treatment including nutrition, exercise, and medication. Manage your blood sugar level, keeping it within range as recommended by your doctor.
  2. Wash your feet in mild soap and warm water every day, but do not soak them. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. Always test the water temperature using your elbow as diabetic nerve damage can affect sensation in your hands as well.
  3. Check your feet daily for problems such as sores, blisters, redness, calluses, etc. This is especially important if you have poor blood flow.
  4. If your skin is dry, moisturize your feet with lotion after you wash and dry your feet. Be sure to avoid putting lotion between your toes where bacteria can grow. When in doubt, Dr. Namen or one of our team members can help you select which type of lotion is best for you.
  5. Use an emery board or pumice stone to gently smooth corns and calluses after your bath or shower, when your skin is soft. When using an emery board, only move it in one direction.
  6. Inspect your toenails weekly. As needed, trim toenails with a nail clipper straight across. Do not round off the corners of toenails or cut down on the sides of the nails. Smooth toenails with a nail file after clipping.
  7. Namen recommends diabetic patients wear closed-toed shoes or slippers. They should not wear sandals or walk barefoot, even around the house.
  8. Always wear socks or stockings that fit appropriately and have soft elastic to allow for proper circulation.
  9. Wear well-fitting shoes made of canvas or leather. Break them in slowly to avoid putting feet under duress. Consider extra wide shoes found in specialty stores to allow more room especially if you have a foot irregularity.
  10. Always check the inside of shoes before you put them on to make sure that no objects have fallen in or have been left inside that can cause injury or aggravation.
  11. Protect your feet from extreme temperatures. Always wear shoes. Whether at the beach or walking on hot pavement, diabetic patients may not know their feet are being burnt. Same for cold temperatures, plus you can always wear socks at night in case your feet get cold.
  12. Work to keep blood flow to your feet. You shouldn’t cross your legs for long periods. Also try putting your feet up when sitting. Wiggle your toes and move/flex your ankles several times a day to improve circulation.
  13. Don’t smoke. Smoking can make blood flow problems even worse.
  14. If you have a foot problem that is worsening or simply won’t heal, contact Dr. Namen.
  15. Make sure your primary care physician or diabetes doctor inspects your feet at each checkup.
  16. It is recommended you make an appointment to see Dr. Namen and the team every 2 to 3 months, even if you don’t think you have any foot problems.