Diabetic Foot Care

Each year, an estimated 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.  Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM (Foot and Ankle Specialist) and our foot care nurse Leigh Hall, RN, CFCS (Certified Foot Care Specialist) at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Mill Creek, WA understand that diabetes heightens the risk of foot-related complications such as narrowed blood vessels, loss of feeling, and infections. Their team specializes in diabetic foot care and provides comprehensive and personalized solutions. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

How does diabetes affect the feet?

Diabetes is a high blood glucose disorder that affects the ability of your body to properly utilize glucose, or sugar, an energy source from food. Diabetes can affect your feet, leading to complications in the extremities such as:

• Infections
• A loss of feeling
• Small blisters and wounds
• Weakened immune system
• Impaired sweat and oil production
• Hardened and narrowed blood vessels
• Decreased blood flow and slower healing

In severe cases, if left untreated, diabetes can lead to gangrene and amputation, and it can even become life-threatening.

How can I prevent diabetic foot complications?

Working with a trained podiatrist who specializes in diabetic foot care can help prevent diabetic foot complications and improve your foot health. The team at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic emphasizes a healthy lifestyle with a nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise. To prevent complications and take care of your feet at home, pay attention to them every day and inspect them by:

• Using moisturizers to soothe dry skin
• Examining the soles of your feet with a mirror
• Washing your feet with warm water and mild soap
• Looking for puncture wounds, redness, ingrown toenails, calluses, cuts, dry skin, bruises, and corns

You should also look out for athlete’s foot, a contagious fungal infection, as well as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar warts, which are small bumps on the soles of your feet.

Avoid walking barefoot and soaking your feet for too long in water, as it can dry out your skin. Trim your toenails straight across and file your nails frequently.

Wear footwear that fits comfortably and properly; athletic and walking shoes are good choices. Make sure your socks are padded, clean, and dry, and avoid shoes made of vinyl or plastic or with high heels and pointed toes.

What are the benefits of diabetic foot care from a podiatrist?

The team at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic provides diagnostic imaging such as X-rays and conducts physical examinations. Diabetic foot care offers many benefits. Your provider can recommend the appropriate antibiotics for an infection and other effective treatment options, such as:

• Nail trimming
• Wound care
• Diabetic socks
• Custom 3D printed prescription orthotics
• Glucose monitoring
• Compression stockings
• Special casts and braces
• Specialized diabetic shoes
• Smoothing corns or calluses
• Anti-inflammatory medications

If necessary, the team at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic can surgically remove damaged, dead, or infected tissue.

For the highest standard of preventive diabetic foot care that prevents serious complications from developing, call Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic or request an appointment online today.