Diabetes affects millions of people in the United States, creating complications that extend far beyond blood sugar management. This condition can affect the feet, potentially leading to infections, ulcers, and persistent wounds. Podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions, which can help people manage some of the effects of diabetes. Here is more information on how podiatric care can help protect your feet and prevent serious complications:
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. These healthcare providers are trained to perform surgery, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive foot care. They treat a wide range of conditions, including ingrown toenails, bunions, heel pain, and sports injuries. They also manage complex medical conditions that affect the feet, such as diabetes-related complications.
What Services Do They Offer?
Podiatrists offer comprehensive foot and ankle care through a range of treatment options. They perform routine foot examinations, nail trimming, and callus removal. They also offer advanced wound care services, custom orthotics, and surgical procedures when necessary.
Diagnostic services include X-rays, ultrasounds, and other imaging studies to evaluate foot and ankle problems. Podiatrists can also provide gait analysis to identify walking patterns that may contribute to foot problems. Treatment options range from conservative approaches, such as padding and strapping, to more advanced interventions. Podiatrists may prescribe topical or oral medications, perform minor surgical procedures, or recommend physical therapy when needed.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the body is unable to regulate blood glucose levels properly. Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas produces little or no insulin, whereas Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to produce enough. Both types can lead to elevated blood sugar levels that damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body.
How Does It Affect Feet?
Diabetes can cause two main complications that specifically affect the feet: peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in the feet, leading to numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation. This nerve damage makes it difficult to feel injuries, temperature changes, or pressure points that could lead to wounds.
Poor circulation develops when diabetes damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the feet. This decreased circulation slows healing and makes it harder for the body to fight infections. Minor cuts or blisters can become serious wounds that heal slowly or not at all. These complications create a dangerous cycle where small injuries go unnoticed due to neuropathy and then fail to heal properly due to poor circulation.
How Can a Podiatrist Help?
Podiatrists play a valuable role in preventing and managing diabetes-related foot complications. They perform comprehensive foot examinations to identify problems before they become serious. These examinations include checking for sensation, evaluating circulation, and inspecting the skin for any signs of breakdown or infection.
Regular podiatric care includes professional nail trimming and callus removal, which prevents these common issues from becoming problematic. Podiatrists can also provide custom orthotics to redistribute pressure and prevent ulcers from developing. They offer specialized wound care for existing foot ulcers, using advanced techniques to promote healing.
Keep Your Feet Healthy
Diabetes-related foot complications are serious but largely preventable with proper care. Regular podiatric examinations allow for early detection and treatment of problems before they become severe. Contact a podiatrist today to learn more about how specialized foot care can benefit your diabetes management plan.
