Diabetic Foot Care

According to the American Diabetes Association, 11.6% of Americans have diabetes, a disease affecting the way the human body processes glucose. Over an extended period of time, high glucose levels can damage the nervous system, reducing sensation in the feet.

Manage & Prevent Diabetes-Related Foot Problems

Due to the suppression of the immune response and reduced blood flow to the feet in diabetics, the body may be unable to heal wounds you suffer to your feet. As sensation has already been reduced, if you aren’t checking your feet regularly, you may not realize your feet are injured until it’s too late. If left untreated, bacterial infections can lead to gangrene, which may require amputation to ensure that the infection does not spread to other parts of the body.

If you suffer from diabetes, it is crucial that you ensure foot health by working with a podiatrist to reduce the likelihood of infection and quickly treat any infection that arises. Our board-certified podiatrists offer professional diabetic foot examinations that can help protect your feet for a lifetime.

Professional Diabetic Foot Care

Our diabetic foot care plans are based on your individual needs but may include:

Regular exams by trained podiatrists
Monitoring changes in your feet
Treatment tailored to your needs
Lifestyle guidance to prevent complications

Fitting and prescription of orthopedic shoes
Custom foot and ankle orthotics
Surgery when all other conservative treatments have been exhausted

What Can I Do?

There are some simple precautions you can take to keep your feet healthy as a diabetic.

Check your feet daily
Keep your diabetes under control
Wash your feet daily
Keep your feet moisturized (but no lotion between the toes, as moisture here can create conditions friendly to fungal infection)
Encourage circulation in your feet by wiggling your toes and changing positions regularly
Meet regularly with your trusted podiatrist

Get Back on Your Feet with Foot & Ankle Associates of Wisconsin

Call us at (262) 542-3779 to schedule an appointment today.