Diabetic Foot Care

Every day in the United States, 230 people with diabetes undergo an amputation. You can avoid this devastating complication with diligent diabetic foot care. The podiatrists at the Foot and Ankle Specialists provide comprehensive foot care to people with diabetes. The team offers specialized peripheral nerve testing and provides preventive foot care and advanced wound care. Schedule an appointment as soon as you notice a foot problem. Book online right away or call the office in The Woodlands, Memorial City, or Huntsville, Texas.

Why do I need diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care prevents and treats the complications caused by high blood sugar. When your blood sugar is too high, it damages small blood vessels and nerves, especially in your feet.

This nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, initially causes pain and tingling, but in time numbness sets in. As you lose feeling, you don’t feel small cuts, bruises, sores, or calluses on your feet, and they go untreated.

Since diabetes also damages blood vessels, these small foot wounds don’t get the blood supply they need to heal. The wound rapidly enlarges, turning into an ulcer that won’t heal without intensive wound care.

What other kinds of neuropathy need specialized care?

You can develop peripheral neuropathy affecting your feet for many reasons. You could have a pinched nerve somewhere between your lower back and toes. Or you could have an underlying condition other than diabetes that damages the nerve, like nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and viral or bacterial infections.

The Foot and Ankle Specialists of The Woodlands use a noninvasive, painless test to diagnose and track the progression of peripheral neuropathy. They also do additional testing and blood work to determine if you have a pinched nerve or have suffered degenerative damage. They recommend customized treatment to meet your needs.

How can I practice diabetic foot care?

You can prevent diabetic ulcers by following a daily routine that includes examining, cleaning, and moisturizing each foot. This routine allows you to catch problems and seek early medical care.

You should schedule an appointment at the Foot and Ankle Specialists of The Woodlands as soon as you notice:

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Small cuts or blisters
• Corns and calluses
• Cracks in your skin
• Sores on your feet
• Changes in skin color
• Changes in skin temperature
• Foot deformities like bunions

You should also seek help for common problems like ingrown toenails rather than treating them on your own.

What diabetic foot care services will I receive?

In addition to seeing your podiatrist as soon a problem appears, people with diabetes should schedule yearly foot exams. Your provider might want to see you more frequently if you have a history of diabetic ulcers.

During your appointment, your provider examines your feet, tests for sensation and reflexes, and provides the care you need, including: 

• Wound care
• Ulcer cleaning and dressing
• Footwear that relieves pressure points
• Custom-fitted orthotics (personalized shoe inserts)
• Medication
• Foot care education
• Diabetes education
• Treatment for foot conditions

Your risk of developing a diabetic ulcer increases when your foot is exposed to unusual pressure. We promptly treat foot conditions like corns, calluses, and bunions to remove pressure points that cause problems.

Don’t delay seeing your Foot and Ankle Specialists of The Woodlands provider for diabetic foot care. Call or book online today.