Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care involves a variety of services that focus on preserving the long-term health of your feet and protecting against diabetes-related complications.

Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in those with diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) anywhere in your body, but it’s especially common in your legs or feet. This nerve damage can lead to numbness, making it difficult for you to notice cuts or sores on your feet.

Without prompt attention to foot injuries, you’re at a higher risk for developing infections and painful, bleeding ulcers. In some cases, untreated infections can spread to other parts of your body, and severe ulcers can lead to skin loss and the need for amputation of your toes and feet.

What diabetic foot care services are available?

The team at Rhode Island Foot Care offers comprehensive, preventive diabetic foot care services in-office to monitor the health of your feet.

The podiatrists inspect your feet for redness, blisters, or cuts that need attention during routine foot exams. They also assess your toenails to ensure you don’t have ingrown nails that can lead to an infection.

If you have foot pain or symptoms related to diabetic neuropathy, the team can evaluate them and determine if you need additional treatment. 

They offer their own line of CBD products to relieve neuropathy pain and provide in-office surgeries to treat ulcers and other diabetic complications.

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation if you have visible sores or cuts, or symptoms like:

• Cracked skin
• Painful leg cramps
• Yellowish, thick toenails
• Noticeable foot deformities
• Burning or tingling in your feet

With early treatment, you can stop the progression of many serious foot issues. Delaying care for foot problems when you have diabetes increases your risk for serious complications that might lead to the loss of your toes and feet.

Rhode Island Foot Care also participates in the diabetic shoe program with Aetrex® Inc., a leading medical footwear manufacturer.

How can I prevent diabetic foot problems?

The team at Rhode Island Foot Care works closely with you on strategies to prevent diabetic foot complications. They recommend daily home care and routine foot exams to reduce your risk for infections and other issues.

It’s important that you follow their guidelines for caring for your feet at home. You should inspect your feet daily for redness, swelling, and blisters. You also need to wash your feet every day in warm water and apply a high-quality moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of your feet.

Other ways you can prevent diabetic foot complications include:

• Don’t go barefoot
• Keep your feet dry
• Wear roomy, comfortable shoes
• Exercise daily to boost blood circulation

The Rhode Island Foot Care team can also teach you how to properly trim your toenails to prevent ingrown nails.

If you have thick calluses or corns, don’t try to remove them at home; schedule an appointment with your foot care specialist who can safely remove them without damaging your skin.

To book a consultation for diabetic foot care, call the Rhode Island Foot Care office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.