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If you’re a diabetic, it’s important to pay extra attention to your foot care. At Ledesma Foot and Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, expert podiatrists Paul Ledesma, DPM, Scott Shindler, DPM, and Jaminelli Banks, DPM, have the expertise and experience to provide diabetic foot care to help you avoid serious foot issues that could lead to complications. To get the treatment you need and deserve, call or request an appointment online now.
What is diabetic foot care?
Diabetic foot care refers to the proactive measures and specialized care taken to maintain healthy feet and prevent complications that can arise due to diabetes. If you have diabetes, you’re prone to various foot-related problems due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation, making it essential to prioritize your foot care as an important part of managing your diabetes.
Why is diabetic foot care necessary?
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage and reduced blood flow to your feet, resulting in decreased sensation, which means you might not feel cuts, sores, or blisters that can develop on your feet.
Also, poor circulation can slow down the healing process, making these minor issues potentially more severe and prone to infection. Without proper care, these complications can escalate, leading to severe infections, ulcers, and, in extreme cases, amputation.
What issues can diabetic foot care help me avoid?
Issues diabetic foot care can help avoid include:
Ulcers and wounds
Regular foot inspections and care can prevent minor cuts, blisters, or abrasions from progressing into open wounds or ulcers, reducing the risk of infection.
Infections
Unfortunately, diabetes can make treatment for infections challenging. However, proper foot care can reduce the risk of infections caused by untreated injuries or sores.
Amputation
By maintaining healthy feet and preventing complications, diabetic foot care aims to avoid severe conditions that might necessitate amputation.
Can I manage my diabetic foot care on my own?
While you can take an active role in your diabetic foot care, it's important to work closely with your Ledesma Foot and Ankle provider for guidance and regular foot assessments.
Managing your diabetic foot care involves several essential practices, such as:
- Daily foot inspections (checking for cuts, sores, blisters, redness, or signs of infection)
- Proper hygiene (washing feet daily with mild soap and lukewarm water, drying them thoroughly, and moisturizing them)
- Nail care (trimming nails carefully and avoiding cutting them too short)
- Choosing appropriate footwear (wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes and socks)
- Seeking prompt medical attention (seeing your podiatrist if any foot issues arise)
Comprehensive management of your foot care involves a collaborative effort between you and your provider to ensure optimal foot health and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.
To learn more, call Ledesma Foot and Ankle today for an appointment. You can also request an appointment online at any time.