Diabetic Foot Care

How does diabetes affect my feet?

When blood sugar stays higher than normal, it damages nerves and small blood vessels. Nerve damage causes pain, as well as numbness

When blood sugar stays higher than normal, it damages nerves and small blood vessels. Nerve damage causes pain, as well as numbness which makes it hard for you to feel a cut or other problems with your feet. Damaged blood vessels limit circulation, which means that cuts and wounds can’t heal. As a result, even a small cut can turn into a serious wound like an ulcer.

it hard for you to feel a cut or other problems with your feet. Damaged blood vessels limit circulation, which means that cuts and wounds can’t heal. As a result, even a small cut can turn into a serious wound like an ulcer.

What should I know about diabetic foot ulcers?

About 15% of all patients with diabetes develop a foot ulcer. An ulcer typically begins as a small cut or blister that goes unnoticed. As diabetic changes prevent the problem from healing, the skin around the wound rapidly deteriorates. Suddenly, your small blister becomes a large, open ulcer.

Diabetic foot ulcers are preventable when you follow a daily self-care routine, catch small problems early, and come in to see your doctor at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers for treatment. After an ulcer develops, it’s very hard to heal and you’re at risk for developing a serious infection that can damage bones and lead to an amputation.

What types of diabetic foot care services are available?

The podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers offer two types of diabetic foot services:

Preventive care

The American Diabetes Association recommends that patients with diabetes schedule a foot exam at least once a year and more frequently if needed to prevent ulcers. When you come in for regular check-ups, your doctor monitors the health of your feet, answers your questions about daily self-care, provides guidance about footwear, or prescribes diabetic shoes to reduce friction and pressure on your feet.

Medical care for wounds and foot problems

It’s important to seek immediate medical care as soon as you notice a blister, cut, sore, callus, or any other problem with your feet. Your doctor at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers thoroughly evaluates your feet, including vascular and nerve testing.

Your customized care includes help with managing your blood sugar and other treatments such as:

• Foot care to prevent infection
• Debriding the wound to remove dead skin and tissue
• Applying medication or dressings to promote healing
• Evaluating your footwear
• Off-loading to take pressure off wounds or ulcers

Off-loading is accomplished with special footgear, a brace, casting, or even a wheelchair — anything that effectively takes the pressure off your wound and promotes healing.

To schedule routine foot care or treatment for a wound, call Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers or use the online booking feature.