WHAT CAUSES DIABETIC FOOT CONDITIONS?
When you have diabetes, it can damage your nervous system — causing neuropathy. Diabetes can also negatively affect your blood circulation. Neuropathy and poor circulation increase your risk of developing foot problems.
Neuropathy
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, between 60% and 70% of people with diabetes have diabetic neuropathy.
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, makes it difficult to feel sensations in your feet and toes and notice foot injuries and discomfort. When you’re unaware of these conditions, a small injury can worsen and lead to an infection.
Neuropathy can also lead to foot changes and deformities that require therapeutic shoes.
Poor circulation
If you have poor blood circulation to your feet, it can be harder for them to heal and fight infection. This condition also increases your risk of sustaining burns because your feet have less sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
WHAT ARE COMMON DIABETIC FOOT CONDITIONS?
Untreated foot conditions in men and women with diabetes can become serious. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations performed in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some common diabetic foot conditions include:
Blisters: up to six inches in diameter
Calluses and corns: thickened skin patches cause or cover deep wounds
Foot ulcers: damaged skin exposes underlying tissues to infection
HOW CAN YOU AVOID DIABETIC FOOT PROBLEMS?
Dr. Galoyan has specialized podiatry training in diabetic foot care and diabetic limb salvage techniques. These treatments treat and prevent diabetic foot problems that might otherwise lead to non-traumatic limb amputation.
The specialized services Dr. Galoyan provides for diabetic foot care include:
Checking your feet for deformities, sores, cracks, and signs of infection
Checking for signs of nerve damage and reduced circulation
Trimming toenails and recommending skin softening creams
Removing calluses, corns, and other potential foot condition
Recommending orthotics or shoes to prevent pressure point irritation
Whirlpool treatments to remove dead or infected foot tissue
Call Metropolitan Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about diabetic foot care treatments.