Besides blood sugar complications, having diabetes can wreak havoc on your feet. At AHP Foot & Wound Care Specialists, Dr. Todd Mann helps patients resolve diabetic-related foot issues like tingling, numbness, ulcers, or chronic pain. With a conveniently located office in Indianapolis, Dr. Mann’s podiatry expertise can bring more comfort to your feet and a sound approach to managing diabetes
Diabetic Feet Q & A
AHP Foot and Wound Care Specialists
How does diabetes affect the feet?
Diabetes can affect the feet, ankles, and legs in many different ways, causing a variety of symptoms. These may include:
- Poor circulation
- Tingling in the feet
- Pain in the legs
- Sores or ulcers on the feet
- Swelling of the feet, toes, or ankles
- Changes in the color or texture of the skin
- Toenail or foot fungus
Left untreated, diabetic foot problems can develop into serious infections or in some cases may result in amputation of a toe, foot, or even leg.
What is diabetic foot treatment?
If you have diabetes and foot complications, it’s important to see a podiatrist who can help you manage your symptoms and prevent more serious problems from developing.
At AHP Foot & Wound Care Specialists, Dr. Mann may recommend several different treatment methods, depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms. These might include:
- Diabetic shoes
- Compression socks or wraps
- Antibiotics, to fight off infection in wounds
- Debridement, which involves surgically removing areas of dead or infected skin
- Off-loading, which involves keeping weight off the foot or leg
- Glucose management
Diabetic foot treatment may require long-term monitoring and care, but many conditions can be resolved easily before further complications arise.
How can I prevent diabetic foot complications?
Part of healing when you have issues with diabetic feet is maintaining proper hygiene and personal care habits. You can increase your odds of a successful treatment with the following methods:
- Keep your feet clean, washing them in the morning and at night before bed
- Make sure feet are dry, especially between the toes, to avoid fungal infections
- Wear breathable, soft socks that won’t irritate your feet
- Manage your blood sugar well
- Monitor your foot health by inspecting them each day for changes
- Maintain a healthy weight, as diabetics with excess weight are more prone to complications
- Wear shoes that fit well, as poor-fitting shoes can exacerbate problems related to diabetic foot problems
- Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails
Ready to resolve your diabetic foot issues today? Contact us for an appointment.