Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes affects millions of Americans and can lead to serious health complications, including foot problems. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, increasing the risk of infections and slow-healing wounds.
Why Early Diagnosis and Preventive Care Are Crucial
Identifying foot issues early can prevent severe complications like ulcers, infections, and even amputations. A proactive approach to diabetic foot care ensures long-term foot health.
How Diabetes Affects Foot Health
The Connection Between Diabetes and Foot Complications
Diabetes can lead to serious foot problems due to poor circulation and nerve damage. The two primary risks include peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Two Major Risks: Peripheral Neuropathy and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that reduces sensation in the feet, making injuries go unnoticed. PAD restricts blood flow, slowing healing and increasing infection risk.
Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve Damage & Risk of Injury
Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, leading to a loss of sensation in the feet.
How Diabetes Damages Nerves Over Time
Consistently high glucose levels harm the nerves, reducing their ability to send signals properly. This can result in pain, tingling, or complete numbness.
Symptoms to Watch For
Common signs include tingling, burning, or “electrical” pain sensations, numbness and loss of feeling, and an increased risk of unnoticed wounds and infections.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD): Poor Circulation & Healing Issues
How Diabetes Restricts Blood Flow to the Feet
PAD occurs when blood vessels narrow, limiting circulation and making it harder for the body to heal wounds.
Why Poor Circulation Increases the Risk of Foot Ulcers
Without adequate blood flow, minor cuts and blisters can develop into serious infections, increasing the risk of ulcers and potential amputation.
Signs of PAD in Diabetic Patients
Symptoms include cold feet or numbness, slow-healing wounds, and leg pain when walking.
Preventative Diabetic Foot Care
Daily Foot Inspections
Check for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror or ask for assistance to examine hard-to-see areas.
Proper Foot Hygiene and Moisturizing
Wash feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, dry thoroughly—especially between the toes—and apply moisturizer to heels and soles, avoiding areas between the toes to prevent infections.
Footwear Safety and Protection
Always wear shoes, even indoors, to prevent injuries. Choose well-fitted, supportive footwear and inspect shoes before wearing to ensure they are free of debris.
Exercise and Circulation Improvement
Engage in safe, low-impact activities to promote blood flow. Avoid prolonged sitting and elevate your feet when possible. Stop smoking to improve circulation.
When to See Our Podiatrist
Persistent swelling, redness, or pain, non-healing sores, ulcers, or infections, and noticeable skin temperature changes all warrant a visit to a podiatrist.
Expert Diabetic Foot Care in Richardson, TX
Dr. Haddad specializes in diabetic foot care, offering tailored treatment plans to help prevent complications.
Treatment Options Available for Diabetic Foot Complications
Our practice provides advanced wound care, custom orthotics, and expert management of diabetic foot conditions.
Early intervention can prevent severe complications. Don’t wait until minor issues become major concerns. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Haddad by calling (972) 690-5374 to protect your foot health today.