Why do I need diabetic foot care?
The purpose of diabetic foot care is to prevent foot wounds and keep your feet healthy. Regular diabetic foot exams help diagnose and treat:
- Friction-related issues, such as corns and calluses
- Toenail issues, including fungal nails and ingrown toenails
- Nerve damage, including diabetic neuropathy
- Foot wounds and diabetic ulcers
Your diabetic foot care management plan is personalized to you. During exams, your podiatrist may evaluate your medical history and thoroughly examine your feet so they can better help you prevent serious complications.
How does a podiatrist care for my feet?
When you come in to Family Foot & Ankle Specialists for your diabetic foot exam, you can expect comprehensive care.
Your podiatrist gets to know all about your condition and how it affects your life. It’s important to let them know about any unusual symptoms or issues you’re experiencing. During your diabetic foot exam, your podiatrist may:
- Trim your toenails
- Remove ingrown toenails
- Remove calluses or corns
- Exfoliate your feet with a pumice stone
- Treat wounds (wound debridement)
- Get you fitted for diabetic shoes or orthotics
Your podiatrist also counsels you about how to care for your feet and how to prevent wounds and infections. They may evaluate your shoes, help you select the best foot moisturizer for your skin, and help you find ways to keep your feet clean and dry.
When should I see a podiatrist if I have diabetes?
Family Foot & Ankle Specialists typically schedules you for annual diabetic foot care exams if you’re generally healthy and don’t have a history of serious wounds. If you do, you may need to come in more frequently.
Outside of these preventive care visits, you need to come in to the clinic if you experience any of the following issues:
- Drainage in your socks
- Visible wounds or redness
- Numbness or prickly sensations
- Tenderness or swelling around your toenail
The team at Family Foot & Ankle Specialists provides flexible scheduling and same- or next-day appointments when needed to treat these urgent issues.
Family Foot & Ankle Specialists provides comprehensive diabetic foot care solutions. Find out more information by booking an exam through the website or over the phone with either office.
