Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which causes numbness, tingling, burning, or loss of sensation in the feet. When sensation is reduced, patients may not notice a blister, sore, pressure spot, or injury until it has worsened. Diabetes can also contribute to circulation problems, making it harder for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infection.
Small foot issues can progress quickly in diabetic patients. Preventive care, regular exams, and early treatment are important because many serious diabetic foot complications begin as minor skin or nail problems.
What Diabetic Foot Care Includes
During diabetic foot visits, Dr. Suh may check the skin, nails, circulation, sensation, pressure points, deformities, calluses, and signs of infection. Care may include professional nail trimming, callus care, wound evaluation, ulcer treatment, infection monitoring, footwear recommendations, custom orthotics, diabetic shoe guidance, toenail fungus treatment, and patient education.
Wound and Ulcer Care
If a diabetic foot wound or ulcer develops, prompt professional care is important. Treatment may include wound cleaning, debridement, dressings, offloading pressure, infection management, and advanced therapies when appropriate. MLS laser therapy may be used as part of a broader wound-care plan to support healing and reduce inflammation.
Daily Foot Care Tips
Patients with diabetes should inspect both feet daily, wash and dry carefully, moisturize dry skin while avoiding excess moisture between the toes, wear clean socks, avoid walking barefoot, check shoes before putting them on, and contact the office quickly for any sore, wound, color change, swelling, odor, or drainage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should diabetic patients see a podiatrist?
Many patients should have at least an annual comprehensive foot exam. Higher-risk patients may need visits every few months.
Can I trim my own toenails if I have diabetes?
It depends on sensation, circulation, vision, and nail thickness. Many diabetic patients are safer with professional nail care.
What should I do if I find a wound?
Do not wait for it to heal on its own. Contact DFW Foot and Ankle promptly for evaluation.