Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic Foot Care by Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists in Sugar Land, TX
At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer diabetic foot care treatment to Sugarland, TX residents looking for professional support when dealing with poor blood circulation. Our expert team understands the obstacles that come with diabetes, and we can address any issues you may be facing. Better yet, we set our patients up with knowledge on how to avoid these diabetes-related foot problems in the future so you can live comfortably despite your condition. Keep reading to learn more about our diabetic foot care plan and how we can help you overcome infection and other problems through our services.
How Can Diabetes Affect the Feet?
When you have diabetes, daily wear and tear can take its toll on your feet, especially in areas that absorb the most pressure.
Because of poor blood circulation or loss of feeling in your feet, even a minor problem, such as a tiny crack in your skin or ingrown toenails, may develop into a severe infection. Infections of the foot are usually caused by bacteria but are occasionally triggered by a virus or fungus. They range from uncomplicated superficial infections to more complex, deep infections involving tendons or bone. All potential infections are taken very seriously here at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Diabetes is known for causing nerve damage that will eventually lead to a loss of feeling in the feet. The trouble with foot problems associated with diabetes is that you can be experiencing serious foot issues but fail to feel any pain. This is why we advise anyone with diabetes to get in the habit of checking their feet each day. Along with this, loss of blood flow can make it hard for a sore or infection to heal correctly, which is why you want to be on the lookout to ensure you can catch complications as soon as they arise. It doesn’t take long for these types of issues to become more severe. Some symptoms to seek immediate help for include:
- Pain
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Drainage
- Odor
- Fever
- Puss
- Abscesses
Diabetic Foot Care Treatment
Mild skin infections can be treated non-surgically with antibiotics and careful observation. Sometimes, these infections will not respond to this type of treatment alone. If the infection involves deeper structures of the foot such as tendons and bone or if an abscess is present, surgery is required. The purpose of surgery is to eliminate all infected tissue from the wound. Some infections, like those around the edge of a toenail, may only require removal of the nail for drainage. Other more serious infections require complex debridement involving soft tissue and/or bone. It is critical to isolate the responsible bacteria so that the correct antibiotics can be given. In some instances, the wounds are left open for daily dressing changes and prevent recurrence of the infection.
Because diabetes is a systemic disease affecting many different parts of the body, ideal case management requires a team approach. We at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists will perform a thorough podiatric evaluation of your overall health and condition of your feet. We are part of a healthcare team working closely with Internal Medicine, Vascular Surgery, and Infectious Disease to keep your feet healthy.
Diabetic Foot Care Plan
You can do many things at home to ensure your feet are taken care of despite the obstacles surrounding diabetes. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, we want to help set our patients up with the knowledge to take their health into their own hands. Putting foot care into practice that helps combat pain, discomfort, and other issues are your best bet to ensuring you do not have to face severe problems that could lead to losing a toe, foot, or leg. The following points are meant to act as a guide so you can care for your feet as efficiently as possible:
- Inspect your feet daily. Checking for diabetic foot ulcers, redness, blisters, swelling, cuts, or nail problems is essential. If you have trouble reaching your feet for a close inspection, try using a mirror or magnify glass.
- Do not smoke. Smoking is shown to restrict blood flow in the feet and is not recommended for those with diabetes.
- Keep your feet clean by washing them daily with a soft sponge or washcloth. Do not bathe your feet in hot water, as lukewarm water will do just fine. You can dry them by blotting them and carefully drying between the toes.
- Moisturize your feet often to avoid unwanted cracking. Avoid putting lotion between the toes, as the excess moisture could encourage a fungal infection.
- Cut nails carefully. Cut them straight across and file the edges. Don’t cut nails too short, as this could lead to ingrown toenails. If you have concerns about your nails, consult your doctor.
- Make sure to wear clean, dry socks, and don’t forget to change them daily. It is best to wear socks specially made for those living with diabetes. This type of sock will provide extra cushioning and suppress moisture buildup.
- Carefully examine and shake out your tennis shoes before putting them on. If there is a sharp foreign object inside, such as a rock or mulch, you may not feel it due to loss of circulation. Avoid any scraping or splintering by feeling around inside your shoe before wear.
- Never try to treat calluses yourself. Filing down these impurities on the feet can only make matters worse, so it’s best to ask a professional for assistance.
- Never walk around with wet shoes, whether it be from snow, rain, or even sweat.
- When you have diabetes, it’s best to avoid walking around barefoot, even while in the home. Shoes or slippers are always recommended, so you can give your feet the shield they need.
- Visit Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists for periodic foot exams. Regular appointments with our foot and ankle specialists can help prevent any foot complications associated with diabetes.
Contact Us Today!
If you have diabetes and need help addressing foot issues in the Sugarland, TX area, our team is here to help. We have over a decade of experience catering to these types of foot and ankle problems and look forward to giving you the same level of care. Don’t wait to get the help you need and deserve. Call now to schedule your appointment for diabetic foot care.