Diabetic Foot Care

Why is diabetic foot care so important?

Diabetic foot problems have been estimated to affect approximately 15-20% of the patients diagnosed with diabetes. Recent articles has quoted that the total annual cost for treating diabetic foot problems has been estimated to have grown to over one billion dollars. Many types of  foot complications that arise from diabetes can be prevented by daily inspection of the feet by you or a family member, proper education on foot care and shoe gear, and maintaining visits to your podiatric surgeons at Northwest Podiatry Center.

What types of foot problems can I encounter?

Diabetes is a disease that may affect many systems in the body. In the feet, many problems arise due to poor circulation of blood flow, decrease sensation due to nerve damage, and slower healing ability to infections or open sores. Some examples of foot problems may include:

In the skin:

    *  dry skin causing "cracks" or "cuts"
    *  skin discoloration causing "itching" and irritation
    *  open sores called "pressure ulcers" that may get infected or can be difficult to heal.

In the toes:

    *  fungal thick toenails making it difficult wear shoes
    *  burning, sharp pains in your leg, feet, or toes that interfere with your sleeping

In the circulation:

    *  cramping pain in the legs when walking due to poor circulation
    *  gangrene of the toes or foot that may lead to amputation

Foot Deformities:

    *  bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, ingrown toenails, and other foot deformities all have more of an increase risk in foot complications in the diabetic patient
    *  vague ankle pain upon walking, running, or jogging.

How can the doctors at Northwest Podiatry Center help?

It is important that one of our doctors provide a thorough evaluation of your feet. In addition, our doctors will provide you with education on proper foot care as well as on the basics of proper shoe gear.

An examination may entail:

    *  exam of skin and toenails
    *  checking your pulses for circulation in the lower extremity
    *  examining muscle strength, movements, range of motion of your feet and ankles
    *  exam of foot sensation
    *  exam of foot wear
    *  exam of bunions, hammertoes and other possible foot deformities

Early consultation and treatment with the doctors at Northwest Podiatry Center is an important medical decision for the diabetic patient. Treatment may entail conservative measures as debridement of toenails, corns, and calluses; prescribing custom made shoes; prescribing medications; care of open sores; and proper education on foot care. Surgical measures may also be involved to ensure that foot deformities do not progressively worsen and create further complications for the patient.

If you have any questions regarding diabetic foot care, please call or E-mail drdichoso@nwpodiatry.com your questions so we can help you stay on your feet for a lifetime. .