Foot problems pose a major risk to people with diabetes. The team at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, provides comprehensive diabetic foot care at their 12 locations throughout Southern Georgia and South Carolina. If you need diabetic footwear, preventive care, or treatment of diabetic foot problems, call the office nearest you or request an appointment online today.
When you have diabetes, even a minor cut or sore can develop into an ulcer that doesn’t heal. If the ulcer gets infected, it can lead to gangrene and even amputation. Most diabetic foot problems are related to two underlying issues:
Blood carries healing properties to areas of injury. Diabetes decreases blood flow to your feet and legs, which causes wounds to heal slowly or not at all.
Diabetes causes damage to your nervous system, which is called neuropathy. Symptoms of neuropathy include numbness and tingling in your extremities. When your foot or toe has limited sensation, you may not feel pain from a wound. This can cause the wound to go unnoticed until it becomes infected.
Gout is a type of arthritis that results from high levels of uric acid and most often begins in the big toe joint. People with gout are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than people who don’t have gout.
The team at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, works with you to keep your feet healthy. If you have diabetes, it’s important to see your provider regularly for preventive care.
These are steps you can take on your own to prevent diabetic foot problems:
You should call Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, as soon as you notice any foot problems, including redness, wounds, or ingrown toenails.
The team at Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, provides a full range of diabetic foot care services. Depending on your needs, a visit may include:
At select offices, Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, offers shoes that are specially made just for people with diabetes. Your provider can also recommend shoes that will provide the roominess and comfort that your feet need, as well as prosthetics to go in the shoes if needed.
For excellent diabetic foot care, call Ankle & Foot Associates, LLC, or book an appointment online today.