DIABETES & YOUR FEET
Diabetes tops the list of troubling health ailments that Americans face. Up to 25% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Foot ulcers and infections are the most common reason for hospitalization of people with diabetes. However, diabetic ulcerations and amputations are largely preventable. Under a podiatrist's regular care, amputation rates can be reduced by 45-85 percent. Dr. Deiboldt and Dr. Beck recommend that all diabetics visit our office 1-2 times a year for a diabetic foot evaluation and check-up. Please click on the links below to learn more about diabetes and how it affects your feet.
People call a doctor of podiatry for help diagnosing and treating a wide array of foot and ankle problems. Please contact our office if you experience one of the following:
- Persistent pain in your feet or ankles.
- Changes in the nails or skin on your foot.
- Severe cracking, scaling, or peeling on the heel or foot.
- Blisters on your feet.
- There are signs of bacterial infection, including:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, or heat.
- Red streaks extending from the affected area.
- Discharge or pus from an area on the foot.
- Foot or ankle symptoms that do not improve after two weeks of treatment with a nonprescription product.
- Spreading of an infection from one area of the foot to another, such as under the nail bed, skin under the nail, the nail itself, or the surrounding skin.