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Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS Our Services Diabetic Foot Care
ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS - - Orthopedics

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGICAL CONSULTANTS

Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, & Podiatry located in Merrillville, IN

If you have diabetes, you also have a high risk of developing non-healing foot ulcers. Diabetic foot care from the experienced podiatrists at Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants helps prevent foot ulcers and provides intensive treatment after an ulcer develops. This care is essential because once a foot ulcer appears, 6% of patients end up in the hospital with an infection, and 14-25% eventually need an amputation. Don't wait to schedule diabetic foot care. Call the office in Merrillville, Indiana, or book an appointment online today.

Diabetic Foot Care Q & A

Why do I need diabetic foot care?

You need diabetic foot care to prevent and treat the problems that develop due to diabetes. Diabetes causes high blood sugar, and over time, high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels.

Nerve damage, called diabetic neuropathy, leads to a range of serious complications, including vision loss, heart disease, and kidney disease. However, the problem usually begins in your feet.

Neuropathy may initially cause foot pain, but you lose feeling as the nerve damage progresses, and your feet begin to numb. Then you can't feel problems like minor cuts, calluses, bruises, or abrasions from shoes.

These problems don't heal properly because of damaged blood vessels that restrict the supply of oxygen-rich blood. As a result, minor foot problems get worse, and you develop a foot ulcer.

Diabetic foot ulcers won't heal without intensive medical treatment. Instead, the ulcer enlarges, causing skin and bone infections, tissue death, and amputations.

How can I practice diabetic foot care?

You can take part in diabetic foot care by following a daily routine that includes examining, cleaning, and moisturizing your feet. Keeping up with a daily foot regimen allows you to catch problems early; then, you can get medical care that prevents complications.

You should schedule an appointment when you notice:

  • Bleeding
  • Swelling
  • Small cuts or blisters
  • Corns and calluses
  • Cracks in your skin
  • Sores on your feet
  • Changes in skin color
  • Changes in skin temperature
  • Foot deformities such as a bunion

 

Don't try to treat common problems like ingrown toenails on your own. You may accidentally damage your skin and increase your risk of an ulcer.

What diabetic foot care services will I receive?

In addition to seeing your podiatrist when a problem arises, everyone with diabetes should schedule a yearly foot exam. You may need more frequent appointments if you have a history of ulcers or lose feeling in your foot.

Your provider carefully examines your foot and tests foot sensation and reflexes during your annual appointment.

The Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants team provides comprehensive care, including:


  • Diabetes education
  • Foot care education
  • Wound care
  • Ulcer debridement (cleaning)
  • Off-loading footwear
  • Custom orthotics
  • Medications if needed for a wound
  • Treatment for foot conditions

Your risk of developing foot ulcers increases when excess pressure affects any part of your foot. Problems such as corns, calluses, and bunions create pressure points that break down your skin and lead to ulcers.

To schedule diabetic foot care, call Orthopaedic Surgical Consultants or book an appointment online today.