The Importance of Having a Podiatrist on Your Diabetic Health Care Team

Your podiatrist provides great care if you run up against a problem with your feet, whether that’s a condition such as flat feet or a problem like a bunion. 

Just as you rely on your dermatologist, orthopedist, or dentist, your podiatrist ensures your feet stay in tip-top shape. Your podiatrist’s care is even more critical if you live with diabetes, however, because the condition’s impact on your feet can pose serious risks to your health. 

Our experienced podiatry team at Premier Foot & Ankle, with five convenient Texas locations, provides the most advanced diabetic foot care, which involves educating our patients about the importance of at-home foot care and observation, monitoring your foot health regularly, and offering innovative treatments for diabetic podiatric conditions. 

Why regular care from a podiatrist is essential if you live with diabetes

Diabetes affects many parts of your body, from your vision to your kidneys. Unfortunately, it also poses problems with your feet, including producing less sweat and oil than normal and reduced blood flow. 

Additionally, nerve damage that accompanies diabetes reduces your ability to sense whether your foot has sustained an injury like a cut. You may also notice that injuries to your feet are slow to heal because diabetes makes your immune system less efficient.

If you live with diabetes, your feet are at risk for several problems that can turn serious quickly. These include corns, ingrown toenails, nail fungus, and cuts and injuries that can get infected if you don’t even know they’re there. Although all of these problems don’t cause serious issues for those who don’t live with diabetes, they can lead to life-threatening complications for those who do. 

Some of the conditions diabetics are more at risk for include:

• Gangrene: linked to reduced blood flow and tissue death 
• Infections: can lead to toe, foot, and even limb amputation
• Sepsis: when an infection enters your bloodstream and your immune system turns on itself

Naturally, diabetic patients want to avoid these conditions at all costs. By partnering with your 

podiatrist, you can learn preventive strategies to carry out at home and see them regularly for foot health monitoring. 

What you can do to prevent diabetes-related foot problems

Develop these habits to protect your feet and reduce your chances of suffering from serious diabetic foot complications:

• Inspect your feet thoroughly every day for nicks, scratches, and other cuts
• Clean and dry your feet well each day
• Moisturize your feet daily, but don’t apply moisturizer between your toes
• When trimming your nails, be gentle and cut them straight across
• Manage your blood sugar well
• Eat good foods that don’t cause blood sugar spikes
• Exercise daily
• Don’t go barefoot, especially outside, which can raise your risk of foot injury
• Wear well-fitting shoes and soft socks without seams that irritate your skin
• Protect your feet from extreme temperatures
• Don’t smoke

Also critical: If you notice a foot injury — no matter how small or insignificant-seeming — make an appointment with your podiatrist immediately so we can check it out and start treatment if necessary.

Available treatments for a diabetes-related foot complication

We offer the most sophisticated and effective diagnostic tools and treatments for diabetic foot conditions, including:

• Prescription antibiotics to address infections and other medications
• Advanced wound care treatment
• SUDOSCANⓇ testing, which assesses your sweat glands and detects neuropathy 
• Devices like splints and orthotics that support foot ulcer healing
• Noninvasive EPATⓇ therapy, using pressure waves to improve circulation and aid healing
• PodiaThermⓇ treatment, employing radio frequency (RF) energy to mitigate nerve pain
• Platelet-rich plasma therapy to harness your body’s own healing powers to treat injuries
• Surgical debridement, which removes dead or infected skin from foot ulcers
• Toe removal surgery

Living with diabetes means keeping on top of so much. Seeking care allows you to worry less about your foot health and know you’re getting the best preventive care and prompt attention for any problems that arise before they get out of control. 

You're in the best hands with your Premier Foot & Ankle podiatrist, especially if you live with 

diabetes. Your foot health must be prioritized, and our knowledgeable and compassionate podiatrists are here to help you prevent foot problems that can progress rapidly. 

Call our location closest to you and schedule a consultation about diabetic foot care today, or book one online anytime.