Diabetes is a common condition that can have adverse effects on the health of your feet, mobility, and overall life quality. It is, hence, a severe chronic illness that needs careful daily management. If you have diabetes, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, provides diabetic foot Las Olas care to lower your risk of diabetic foot disease. For more information about diabetic foot care, call or book an appointment online today.
What Is Diabetic Foot Disease?
Diabetes refers to a condition that results from abnormal blood sugar levels. With time, high blood sugar levels can cause damage throughout your body, including your feet and legs. Diabetic foot disease includes various diabetes-related conditions that can cause serious damage and even result in amputation.
What Are the Conditions That Cause Diabetic Foot Disease?
Some of the conditions that can cause severe feet damage include:
· Peripheral Arterial Disease
This is a condition that commonly affects people with diabetes. Diabetes might cause damage to your arteries, which restricts blood flow in your legs and feet. People with peripheral arterial disease usually struggle with leg cramping, pain, and weakness.
· Diabetic Neuropathy
With time, high blood sugar levels and restricted blood circulation can damage the nerves in your legs and feet. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. It affects over sixty percent of people with diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy causes tingling and numbness and can reduce or eliminate your ability to feel pain in your feet and legs. The people affected often experience burns, cuts, and other foot injuries. Both PAD and neuropathy can enhance your risk of developing diabetic ulcers.
· Diabetic Ulcers
This refers to an open wound or sore that develops on your ankle or foot. Diabetic ulcers normally begin as a minor injury like a blister or small cut. If you have lost feeling in your feet you may not notice the minor injury until it becomes a significant wound. It can quickly become infected and can result in amputation.
What Is Diabetic Foot Care?
If you have diabetes, small issues such as ingrown toenails or cuts can fast become a severe infection. This is a treatment option that helps to keep you mobile and prevent severe complications like amputation. Diabetic foot care consists of basic foot care such as toenail trimming and continuous monitoring of your foot health. The team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, offers prompt care for common foot issues and continues to observe your foot health for signs of diabetic foot disease.
What Should You Expect During Your Appointment?
During your initial appointment, your provider starts by performing a comprehensive foot exam. They will then discuss your diabetes and the steps for managing your condition. If you have any foot concerns or problems about your foot health, they will discuss effective treatment options. The team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, also offers at-home steps to prevent diabetic foot disease like checking your feet daily and appropriately moisturizing.
To sum up, diabetic foot care is an integral part of managing your diabetes and maintaining your overall health. To speak to your provider about your foot health, call or book an appointment online with Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, today.
