Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. For a diabetic person, excessively high glucose levels in the blood can jeopardize the health of the liver, eyes, kidneys, and blood vessels.
Insulin is an important hormone that helps sugar pass from your bloodstream into the cells of the body, where it can be used as energy. Diabetes affects your body’s ability to either produce (Type 1) or respond to (Type 2) insulin. As a result, the cells cannot get the nutrients they need, while sugar levels in the bloodstream build to dangerous levels.
Multiple foot problems are commonly associated with diabetes, and they can lead to serious issues if not managed properly. A podiatrist, is a critical part of managing a diabetic patients care and helps patients maintain healthy feet to avoid complications.
What Problems Affect Diabetic Patients?
The Diabetic patient can manifest multiple complication to their feet. Neuropathy (nerve damage), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and infection are among the most common. Neuropathy affects the sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves and can cause numbness, tingling, and persistent pain in the lower extremeties. PVD is caused by a narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels in the legs and feet, which can lead to poor circulation and slow wound healing.
Due to the suppression of the immune response in diabetics, the body is often unable to heal these wounds. If left untreated, bacterial infections can lead to gangrene, which may require amputation to ensure that the infection does not spread to other parts of the body.
The Role of Podiatrists in Diabetic Foot Care
Podiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in the treatment and care of the feet and lower legs. They play an essential role in diabetic foot care by providing regular check-ups, monitoring for signs of diabetic foot complications, and treating these complications if they occur.
At Lakes Foot and Ankle Associates, we work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as endocrinologists, to ensure all patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care for their diabetes and related foot problems.
Diabetic Foot Care Services Offered by Podiatrists
Podiatrists offer a range of services to help patients with diabetes maintain healthy feet and avoid complications. Some of these services include:
- Foot Exams and Monitoring: Podiatrists perform regular foot exams to monitor for signs of diabetic foot complications, such as nerve damage, poor circulation, and infections. They also assess the condition of the skin and nails, and check for any signs of deformities, such as,ingrown nails calluses, or bunions.
2. Wound Care: Podiatrists provide wound care for diabetic patients with cuts, blisters, and ulcers. They also offer advice on how to care for wounds at home and monitor the healing process.
3. Footwear Recommendations: Podiatrists can provide recommendations for appropriate footwear (such as shoes with good arch support and cushioning) to help prevent foot problems and improve comfort.
4. Foot and Nail Care: During routine checkups, podiatrists can provide skin and nail care, including trimming toenails and treating any fungal infections or ingrown toenails.
5. Orthotic Devices: Podiatrists may suggest patients wear shoes of a certain type. They may prescribe orthotic devices, custom-made shoe inserts or braces, to help correct foot problems and improve walking.
6. Surgical Intervention: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to treat diabetic foot complications. Podiatrists can perform surgery to treat infections or fix deformities that can be underlying causes of ulcers. In extreme cases, amputation of the foot or toes may be necessary.
Importance of Regular Foot Exams for Diabetic Patients
Regular foot exams are crucial for diabetic patients as they help detect and prevent foot problems early on. During these exams, podiatrists identify any potential problems and provide treatment or recommendations to help prevent complications. Regular foot exams also help patients maintain healthy feet and improve their overall quality of life.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Feet with Diabetes
In addition to regular foot exams, diabetic patients can take other steps to maintain healthy feet and avoid diabetic complications. Some important tips include:
- Maintain good blood sugar control/keep high blood sugar levels under control
- Inspect your feet daily for signs of injury or ulceration and seek prompt treatment for any issues that emerge
- Maintain a healthy active lifestyle to encourage blood flow
- Visit your foot and ankle care specialist at least once per year for further testing and a comprehensive check-up
In addition, some diabetics may wear socks with compression features to control swelling in the feet and legs.
Lakes Foot and Ankle Associates Can Help You Manage All Diabetic Foot Care Needs If you suffer from diabetes, it is crucial that you ensuregood foot health by seeingyour podiatrist on a regular basis. Contact us and make an appointment today to learn how we can help you protect your feet for a lifetime. Early treatment makes all the difference in helping you maintain the lifestyle you deserve
It's Time To Leave Foot & Ankle Pain Behind!
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Phone Number
Location
9640 Commerce Rd Suite 102 Commerce Township, MI 48382
Hours
| Monday | 8:30am – 5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am – 5:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am – 6:00pm |
| Friday | By Appointment |
| Saturday | - Closed - |
| Sunday | - Closed - |
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