Especially if you have been diagnosed with diabetes it is important to work in concert with a
podiatrist to protect the health of your feet. Amputations of the feet and legs are far more
common among diabetics than any other segment of the population. That’s because there are a
number of diabetic foot problems that can worsen quickly and lead to irreparable damage. Our
Atlanta podiatrist can work with you to develop a care and treatment plan. We have experience
treating all conditions of the legs and feet. If you have any concerns about pain, sores or
numbness, don’t wait. Being proactive will improve your chances of recovery. These are
common problems to watch for.
Nerve damage or neuropathy – With nerve damage you may notice burning or tingling in your
foot. It is also possible that you may lose feeling in your foot. This is particularly problematic
because you will not feel pain if the foot becomes injured. For diabetics, minor injuries can lead
to major problems without appropriate intervention. Nerve damage can also cause the foot or
toes to become deformed.
Be proactive; examine your feet daily for bruises, wounds or skin discoloration. Call our Atlanta
podiatrist immediately if you experience loss of feeling, burning, tingling or injury. Regular
appointments are essential if you have nerve damage. Many complications can be avoided or
minimized with regular monitoring.
Peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation – One complication of diabetes is constriction
of the blood vessels. When blood flow is reduced it is more difficult to heal even minor wounds.
You may also find that your feet or toes feel cold. Avoid soaking feet in hot water as inadequate
oil production can lead to severely over dry and damaged skin. Reduced sensitivity to pain
makes use of heating pads or hot water dangerous as well. Instead, wear warm socks and keep
the heels and soles of your feet moisturized. Complete loss of circulation will lead to gangrene,
or dead tissue and amputation. Moderate exercise, such as walking, yoga or swimming can
improve circulation. Smoking, which worsens artery health, should be strictly avoided.
Foot ulcers – You should limit walking as much as possible when you have a foot ulcer.
Pressure on the wound often leads to or worsens infection. We can work with you on care and
management options such as protective shoes or braces.
Please give us a call even if the ulcer does not cause any discomfort. Wound cleaning, removal
of any dead or infected tissue and antibiotics can improve long term outcomes. It is vitally
important to attend to foot ulcers immediately because neglect is a common cause of amputation.
Schedule an appointment today
Our Atlanta podiatrist is your partner in good foot health. We will examine your feet carefully. If
you have an infection, we may take a culture to determine the type. Ulcers are visually examined
and graded according to size and severity. In some cases imaging may be required.
We will work with you to determine when surgical interventions are the best course of action for
managing peripheral artery disease or foot deformity. With neuropathy, foot deformity or
peripheral vascular disease, care and monitoring visits are recommended at least bi-monthly.
Proactive care is essential for managing diabetic foot problems. Call us to schedule an
appointment today.
