Diabetic Foot Care

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetes has become one of the biggest healthcare concerns in the United States, with a prevalence of 10% and a rate of increase of 5% every year. Diabetes is a chronic and systemic disease that affects your body in a number of ways, from cardiovascular issues to neurological problems.

One complication that stems from diabetes is neuropathy in your feet. Neuropathy is a term used to describe nerve damage, which is caused by poor circulation in your extremities, including your feet.

This occurs because diabetes leads to dangerous levels of glucose in your blood, which can build up, compromising your circulation. With diabetic neuropathy, the lack of adequate circulation in your feet leads to nerve damage.

Because of the prevalence of neuropathy among diabetic patients, LaSante Health Center offers specialized diabetic foot care to provide vigilant monitoring of your feet, catching potential problems before they lead to irreversible damage.

When should I see a doctor for diabetic foot care?

If you have diabetes, any problem in your feet, no matter how minor, warrants an expert’s attention. Because your circulation is compromised, the slightest cut can lead to an infection, which your body can’t heal properly. Seemingly small problems like toenail fungus, ingrown toenails, calluses, and corns can turn into major issues if you don’t take preventive measures.

You should also stay on top of the signs of neuropathy, which include:

• Tingling or numbness
• Pain
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of balance
• Increased sensitivity

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see the team at LaSante Health Center at your earliest convenience so that they can work with you to come up with the best plan going forward.

What should I do at home for diabetic foot care?

While the care that LaSante Health Center provides is critical, so too is the care you provide at home. For your own at-home diabetic foot care, you should:

• Gently wash and dry your feet daily with warm, not hot, water
• Inspect your feet daily
• Trim your nails carefully and always straight across
• Wear clean, dry socks
• Wear comfortable shoes with plenty of room for your toes

This at-home care, combined with LaSante Health Center’s diabetic foot care, goes a long way toward safeguarding your long-term foot health.

To get started on your diabetic foot care, call LaSante Health Center or schedule an appointment using the online tool today.