1744880
Why does diabetes pose health risks to feet?
Chronic high blood sugar levels characteristic of diabetes can cause numerous health issues, including kidney problems and heart disease.
You can also develop diabetic neuropathy where your nerves become damaged so you can’t feel heat, cold, or pain. When you don’t feel a sore, blister, or cut, it’s likely to worsen and become infected. That can lead to amputation of the toes or feet.
People with diabetes are also at risk of peripheral vascular disease, which affects blood flow. Circulation decreases so blood doesn’t rush to cuts and sores, especially in your feet. This slows or halts healing altogether.
Which foot issues should concern a person with diabetes?
If you have diabetes, it’s critical to check your feet regularly. You should visit a podiatrist if you notice any of the following issues:
- Blisters, sores, and cuts
- Corns and calluses
- Nail fungus
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Plantar warts
- Athlete’s foot
- Ingrown toenails
All of these issues can become more severe if they go untreated. If you can’t easily check your own feet, a caregiver should help you.
Dr. Rosenblatt offers conservative treatment to help such issues heal, including medication. He’ll also teach you how to properly care for and clean your feet to avoid problems in the future. He can recommend shoes that are appropriate for your feet.
What symptoms suggest I need immediate podiatry care?
If you find anything that looks suspicious on your feet, it’s important to seek care from Dr. Rosenblatt immediately. Seek immediate podiatry care if you experience:
- Swelling in your feet or ankles
- Pain in the feet
- Open sores that are draining or won’t heal
- Changes in skin color or temperature
- Dry cracks in the skin around the heels
- Notable foot odor
Diabetic foot ulcers that go untreated can lead to severe complications, including infection and amputation.
How are diabetic foot ulcers treated?
Conventional treatments for diabetic foot ulcers include rest, dressing, and topical and oral medications. Dr. Rosenblatt may also determine you’re a candidate for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which have a high rate of success in healing diabetic ulcers.
For these injections, he draws a sample of your blood, filters it, and spins it to concentrate the platelets. The platelets contain essential growth factors for healing. Dr. Rosenblatt then injects the PRP into areas of your body that need help healing.
