Are you looking for a foot doctor for diabetics? We have provided this information so that you can make an informed intelligent decision.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage and reduce blood flow, taking away the feeling in your feet and making it harder to resist infection and more difficult to heal an injury. All these facts make diabetes dangerous for your feet – even small cuts can lead to serious consequences. You may not feel a foreign object in your shoes and you develop a sore or a blister. As a result, you can get a non healing wound and develop a serious infection.
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing foot problems and infections in the feet that diabetes patients should be aware of. Some of them are listed below.
One of the main causes of diabetic foot problems is poorly fitting footwear. If you have sore or red spots, calluses, blisters, or pain associated with wearing shoes, then new well-fitting footwear should be obtained to avoid more serious problems. Avoid wearing vinyl shoes because they can’t breathe. The best time to find the best fit is at the end of the day when your feet are the largest. Furthermore, if you have foot abnormalities, such as bunions, flat feet, or hammertoes, prescription shoes may be necessary.
Patients with poorly controlled diabetes are at higher risk of damaging the nerves in their feet. With normal nerves, people can sense if one part of the foot is strained or if their shoes are rubbing against their feet. However, if diabetes has caused nerve damage, patients can’t feel their feet properly. They are unable to sense the position of their feet while they are walking and keeping themselves balanced.
Diabetes can lead to hardening of the arteries, especially if it’s poorly controlled. If your feet are injured, poor blood circulation prevents them from healing quickly and properly. As a result, even a small trauma to the foot can increase risks for more serious problems to develop.
An infection of the toenails or skin, which is also called athlete’s foot, can lead to serious bacterial infections and should be treated quickly. Toenail fungus, as well as ingrown toenails, should be taken care of by a foot specialist.
Patients with diabetes should stop smoking since any form of tobacco causes further damage to blood vessels in the legs and feet. This damage can disrupt the healing process and is one of the main reasons of amputations and serious infections. It’s difficult to overemphasize the importance of smoking cessation!
If you notice that the skin over part of the foot becomes pale, red, blue, or dark, or you feel extra swelling on your foot, you should consult a doctor to examine your feet to avoid any complications that can arise. The doctor will help you choose safe ways to be active every day and choose proper footwear and diet. If you have diabetes, you should go to a foot specialist at least once a year to have foot exams.
It is always a good idea to be proactive in your foot and ankle care, especially when you suffer from diabetes. Give us a call today at 301-937-5666 or click here to schedule your appointment. We will give you a thorough exam and comprehensive plan to make sure you take good care of your feet. We strive to provide the best care possible and care about your well being, so please contact us if you have any questions.
