Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

Why do I need diabetic foot care?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Over time, the excess sugar in your blood damages the blood vessels, organs, and nerves. 

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. Though neuropathy may affect any nerves in your body, the nerves in your legs and feet are most often affected.

The nerve damage may cause pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in your feet. It may also impair your ability to feel pain, heat, or cold. If you have a cut or blister on your foot, you may not know it.

Because of the damage to your blood vessels, your body may not be able to heal the cut or blister. When left untreated, the foot injury may turn into an infection that may lead to serious complications such as amputation. 

Diabetic foot care prevents foot issues before they turn into serious health complications.

What can I expect during diabetic foot care?

When you visit Sarasota Foot Care Center for diabetic foot care, you can expect comprehensive care. The team takes a holistic approach to care and treats your whole health, not just your foot. 

During the visit, your podiatrist asks detailed questions about your diabetes, including blood sugar readings, medications you take, usual diet, exercise habits, daily routine, and stresses. They conduct a physical exam, including a full evaluation of your feet.

To ensure you get the comprehensive care you need, Sarasota Foot Care Center has protocols in place to help with the vascular, neurologic, mechanical, and metabolic aspects of the complex situation. This includes nerve conduction studies to assess nerve damage. 

What are diabetic foot care treatments?

After completing a diabetic foot care examination, your podiatrist may provide various treatments at the office to improve foot health.

Treatment may include:

• Toenail trimming
• Removal of corns and calluses
• Toenail fungus treatment with Noveon® laser 
• Dr. Comfort® diabetic shoes
• Physical therapy
• VST electro-stimulation to improve healing of wounds

If you have a sore on your foot or ankle, your podiatrist provides wound care. 

Your podiatrist also provides instructions for taking care of your feet at home, including daily foot inspections and wearing well-fitted shoes to avoid sores.

How often do I need diabetic foot care?

The team at Sarasota Foot Care Center determines the frequency of your diabetic foot care visits based on your blood sugar levels and foot care needs. Though you may have regular diabetic foot care appointments, the team recommends you schedule a visit if you have:

• Pain in your feet or legs after physical activity
• Tingling or burning sensations in your feet
• Dry or cracked skin on your feet
• Thickened toenails
• Ingrown toenail
• Painful corn(s)
• Plantar’s wart(s)
• Blister, cut, or sore on your foot

Getting diabetic foot care right away when you have problems may prevent complications. It is especially important to treat any cut or sore on your foot immediately to avoid infection and potential amputation.

For diabetic foot care from a team who treats the patient, not only the foot, call Sarasota Foot Care Center, or book an appointment online today.