Diabetics have special foot care requirements due to an elevated risk for lower extremity complications such as slow-healing foot ulcers, gangrene, and amputation. If you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, establishing a doctor-patient relationship with a skilled podiatrist and podiatric surgeon is essential to maintaining foot health, comfort, and appearance.
Fortunately, Foot & Ankle Alliance offers comprehensive diabetic foot care for the San Fernando Valley. Here’s what you should know about the effects diabetes can have on your feet, ankles, and lower legs and how regular visits with our talented specialist, Dr. Dana Brems, DPM, can help keep them looking and feeling their best.
How Diabetes Affects the Feet
Diabetes is a group of conditions characterized by abnormally high blood sugar (or blood glucose) levels. Elevated blood sugar is caused by insufficient insulin, a vital hormone that helps the body convert glucose to energy by ushering it into the appropriate cells. Unfortunately, Type 1 diabetics don’t produce insulin, and Type 2 diabetics produce so little that the body becomes resistant to it. As a result, the glucose that should go into cells builds up in the bloodstream.
Over time, high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels throughout the body, including in the feet, and lead to complications like diabetic neuropathy. This condition causes pain, numbness, tingling, and burning, making it difficult for people with diabetes to notice when they have a cut, sore, or infection on their feet. Loss of sensation is especially problematic for diabetics, as complications like foot ulcers (an open sore or wound on the sole) require prompt, professional treatment to reduce the risk of infection and prevent gangrene and limb loss.
Providing Routine and Urgent Foot Care for Diabetic Patients
Whether you were recently diagnosed or have been diabetic for years, you need a knowledgeable and extensively trained podiatrist on your diabetes management team. Partner with Foot & Ankle Alliance and Dr. Brems for optimal foot and ankle health. We offer a range of routine services for diabetics, including:
- Cuticle and toenail trimming
- Corn and callus removal
- Ingrown or fungal toenails treatments
- Annual foot exams
- And much more
We’re also committed to providing exceptional patient education. You’ll learn how to:
- Safely wash, dry, and moisturize your feet.
- Perform daily foot inspections.
- Choose supportive, comfortable, and well-fitting shoes for all your favorite activities.
Treating Wounds, Infections, Injuries, and Other Issues
At Foot & Ankle Alliance, our team capably addresses all foot and ankle conditions and complications diabetics face, including ulcers. Treatment for diabetic foot ulcers can include medications, pressure relieving solutions (like custom orthotics or inserts), and dead skin removal.
In the event of an infection, Dr. Brems can prescribe antibiotics, perform wound care treatment and, when necessary, advocate for hospitalization. Though we can treat most foot ulcers with conservative methods, infected wounds may require surgical intervention. Checking your feet often – preferably daily – can help you catch podiatric issues in their earliest stages before they become more dangerous.
Get the Exceptional Care Your Feet Demand
When you’re a diabetic, even a relatively minor foot issue can quickly become severe or life-threatening. Don’t put off the comprehensive care your feet require. Taking charge of your podiatric health could save your feet, your mobility, or your life.
Foot & Ankle Alliance offers the support diabetic feet need to thrive. Complete the contact form to schedule an appointment with Dr. Brems and find out what makes us the San Fernando Valley’s top choice for top-notch podiatric care for diabetic patients.