DIABETIC FOOT CARE
According to the American Diabetes Association, roughly 30 million Americans struggle with diabetes – some diagnosed, some undiagnosed. Diabetes causes nerve damage in the feet over time, and this leads to limited circulation. Diabetes can be very dangerous because even a small cut on your feet can cause serious complications. A standard cut or bruise on the foot may heal quickly for a person without diabetes, but for those who have dealt with this condition for years, the healing process can be much slower. As wounds take longer and longer to heal, the potential for a devastating infection grows. A diabetic person needs to be extra careful because they are at a higher risk of losing sensation in their feet and developing wounds that can cause infections. There is also a probability that a limb could be lost due to the condition. So, if you’ve got diabetes and you’re located anywhere in the greater Seattle area, Dr. Christopher Bock can help you. You will receive the best treatment for all your foot problems!
How Can Diabetes Affect the Feet?
Diabetes is a common general medical condition that causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream. It’s caused the body’s inability to naturally create a hormone called insulin. This condition affects circulation and nerve function. When it’s not controlled, the feet are vulnerable to nerve damage and wounds that don’t heal normally. When a diabetic patient loses feeling in the foot or develops an infected ulcer, that is an emergency that must be addressed and treated immediately to avoid the possibility of permanent tissue damage.
Additionally, many people may not even know they are diabetic, so foot-related problems may go untreated for long periods of time, getting worse with age. The longer diabetes-related foot problems aren’t addressed, the more complications you can expect to have.
Diabetes of any type puts you in a high-risk group for foot problems and complications like foot ulcers, infections, nerve damage, and limb loss. A podiatrist plays a key role in helping patients manage diabetes successfully and avoid foot-related complications.
Why does diabetes cause foot problems?
Diabetes causes foot problems for two main reasons:
Nerve damage
Diabetes can cause nerve damage bodywide, but it’s often especially severe in the peripheral nerves in your feet. Up to 70% of diabetes sufferers have some degree of peripheral nerve damage.
Diabetic nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy, can cause a variety of foot symptoms, such as numbness, pins-and-needles sensations, burning, “electrical” pain, tingling, and itchiness. Neuropathic numbness prevents you from feeling extreme temperatures, cuts, punctures, and other foot damage, which can lead to foot ulcers.
Vascular compromise
Diabetes causes narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels supplying your feet, which is why many diabetes sufferers have decreased blood flow to their extremities.
Lack of blood to your feet means it’s hard to heal wounds and fight infections. Ulcers — non-healing or slow-healing open wounds — are often a problem in diabetes sufferers.
What problems can diabetic foot care address?
Dr. Bock sees many patients who have diabetes-related foot problems. Some of the most common issues he can treat are:
♦ Corns and calluses
♦ Diabetic neuropathy
♦ Fungal infections
♦ Swelling and inflammation
♦ Slow-healing sores or wounds
No matter what symptoms you’re experiencing, Dr. Bock can help you find relief and maintain your foot health for life.
What methods are used in diabetic foot care?
The biggest factor in keeping feet healthy if you have diabetes is maintaining your blood sugar. Dr. Bock can discuss any challenges you have in that department and work with you to suggest changes.
In terms of foot care and treatment, he may recommend a number of methods for healing, depending on your symptoms. This may include orthotics, medicated creams or ointments, nutrition, footwear changes, or, in some cases, surgery.
Your treatment plan is customized to meet your needs and deliver you the best results in the least amount of time.
What results can I expect with diabetic foot care treatment?
Patients can experience incredible results when they address diabetic foot problems with a qualified podiatrist like Dr. Bock. It’s important to remember that blood sugar management, good hygiene, and healthy living habits are all important when it comes to preventing problems. If you have questions about how to manage your diabetes, Dr. Bock can work with you or refer you to a specialist to make sure you get the best results.