Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your body’s ability to use glucose for energy. People with diabetes have higher than normal blood glucose levels because of insulin production problems. 

Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas that gets glucose from the bloodstream into the cell. If you have diabetes, you either can’t make insulin, or the insulin you make fails to work as it should.

Without insulin, your blood glucose levels get too high, causing damage to the blood vessels and organs throughout your body. Having diabetes increases your risk of developing other health complications, including foot problems. 

Why do I need diabetic foot care?

You need diabetic foot care because diabetes increases your risk of developing an infection that may require limb amputation. 

The excess glucose in your blood damages blood vessels, especially the smaller blood vessels in your feet, and affects circulation. The excess glucose also damages the nerves in your feet, affecting sensation.

If you have a cut or blister on your foot, you may not realize it because you can’t feel any pain. Without proper circulation, your cut or blister may not heal. When unnoticed and untreated, your minor foot condition may turn into a serious infection.

What happens during diabetic foot care?

The specifics of your diabetic foot care at Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists depends on your foot needs and the severity of your blood vessel and nerve damage. However, everyone with diabetes needs regular diabetic foot care. 

During routine diabetic foot care, the podiatrists at Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists inspect your feet, check circulation and sensation, and provide foot care such as trimming toenails and removing calluses and corns. 

The podiatrists talk to you about how to inspect and care for your feet at home, between your routine visits. They may also recommend custom orthotics or a change in footwear to reduce your risk of foot injuries.

If you have a foot problem, such as a cut, blister, or ingrown toenail, you should schedule a diabetic foot care appointment right away. Your podiatrist provides the appropriate care for your foot problem to ensure proper healing.

For expert diabetic foot care, call Tussey Mountain Foot & Ankle Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.