What is diabetic foot disease?
Diabetes is a common condition that causes abnormal levels of blood sugar. Over time, high levels of blood sugar can cause damage to areas throughout your body, including your legs and feet.
Diabetic foot disease refers to several diabetes-related conditions that can cause serious damage and even lead to amputation. Some of these conditions include:
Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that commonly affects people with diabetes. Diabetes can damage your arteries which restricts blood flow in your legs and feet. People with PAD often struggle with leg pain, cramping, and weakness.
Diabetic neuropathy
Over time, high levels of blood sugar and restricted blood circulation can also damage the nerves in your legs and feet — a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy affects over 60% of people with diabetes.
Diabetic neuropathy causes numbness and tingling and can reduce or eliminate your ability to feel pain in your legs and feet. People with diabetic neuropathy often unknowingly experience cuts, burns, and other foot injuries. Both diabetic neuropathy and PAD can increase your risk of developing diabetic ulcers.
Diabetic ulcers
A diabetic ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on your foot or ankle. Diabetic ulcers typically start off as a minor injury like a small cut or blister. If you’ve lost feeling in your feet, you might not notice the minor injury until it becomes a major wound (ulcer). Diabetic ulcers can easily become infected which can lead to amputation.
What is diabetic foot care?
Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, provides diabetic foot care to keep you mobile and prevent serious complications like amputation. Diabetic foot care consists of basic foot care like toenail trimming as well as ongoing monitoring of your foot health.
If you have diabetes, small problems like cuts or ingrown toenails can quickly become severe infections. The team provides prompt care for common foot problems and continues to monitor your foot health for signs of diabetic foot disease.
What should I expect during my appointment?
During your first appointment, your provider begins by performing a thorough foot exam. They then discuss your diabetes and the steps you take to manage your condition. If you have any foot problems or concerns about your foot health, they’ll discuss options for effective treatment.
Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, also provides at-home steps to avoid diabetic foot disease like checking your feet daily and properly moisturizing.
Diabetic foot care is an essential part of managing your diabetes and maintaining your overall health. To speak to a provider about your foot health, call the office or book online today.
