If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, diabetic foot care should be high on your list of priorities. There are a number of foot-related health conditions associated with diabetes, with potentially serious outcomes if you don’t receive appropriate care. Talk to a podiatrist about the following concerns to learn what diabetic foot care you need.

Blood Flow & Nerve Damage

High blood sugar as seen in incorrectly managed diabetes is the cause of a number of complaints that affect the feet. This condition can damage the nerves, including those in the legs and feet. This leads to a loss of sensation in those areas and poor control over the foot muscles. High blood sugar also leads to vascular diseases, affecting circulation in the feet and potentially cutting them off from the healing effects of a steady blood supply.

Injuries & Infections

The lack of sensation and muscle control in the feet can lead to a dramatic increase in minor injuries that could go untreated. Because of the decreased blood flow, an ingrown nail or blister may easily develop a bacterial or fungal infection if it’s left untreated, making the condition more serious. Poor muscle control also leads to a number of bone and joint problems, some of which can also open the door to infection. In the worst case scenario, these conditions may become serious enough that gangrene sets in, with amputation being the only effective treatment.

Preventative Diabetic Foot Care

To prevent this outcome, have your feet examined regularly by a foot specialist. The podiatrist can monitor any ongoing conditions, offer treatment for infection, and provide tailored advice on how to protect and support the feet, especially after the loss of sensation. With regular visits for diabetic foot care, your risk of serious diseases will be minimized.

If you need diabetic foot care, visit High Point Foot Center in North Carolina. Dr. Kevin Henry has over 17 years of experience and is committed to providing you effective, compassionate service using modern methods to protect and care for your feet. To make an appointment, call (336) 882-2070 or send a message online.