Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

Who needs diabetic foot care?

Anyone with diabetes benefits from paying particular attention to their feet. Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting up to 6% of the population. It interferes with their ability to manage the glucose, or sugar, in their blood. Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels damage your organs and tissues, including your feet.

The damage caused by high blood sugar causes problems in your nerves and interferes with blood circulation. When you have diabetes, you’re more prone to getting an infection from a seemingly minor foot problem, like a blister or abrasion.

Poor circulation slows or prevents healing, while neuropathy can cause you to not even notice the pain until it’s become severe.

What is Charcot joint?

Charcot joint is another complication of diabetes that causes the bones, joints, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle to become inflamed. Peripheral neuropathy again causes numbness so that you don’t notice the problem. You continue to walk on the damaged foot, triggering more complications.

Diabetic foot care offered at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists includes managing Charcot joint.

What are foot ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common complication. Ulcers develop when your shoes or just standing put too much pressure on an area of your skin, and the tissue breaks down. They can also happen around corns and calluses.

Because diabetes slows or prevents healing, it’s essential that you get professional care to treat and keep an eye on foot ulcers.

What is involved in diabetic foot care?

Keep your feet clean, dry, and moisturized. You should inspect your feet every day for cuts, blisters, heel splits, corns, and calluses. If you notice anything, schedule a visit with Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists right away. The providers are ready to help your injuries heal, prevent infection, and support long-term foot care.

Schedule regular foot care visits at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists, too. Sometimes the providers can catch a problem before you do. They can help you keep your nails properly trimmed to avoid getting an ingrown toenail or suffering a cut.

Your podiatrist can help you choose the right socks and shoes to prevent diabetic foot complications. The practice offers custom-fitted orthotics and diabetic shoes to support your feet with extra padding and keep them from getting injured.

Contact Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists for your diabetic foot care. Call today or request an appointment online.