If you have diabetes, routine diabetic foot care appointments can reduce your risk of serious complications and improve your quality of life. At South Alamo Foot & Ankle, Kris Ford, DPM, Jonathan Lorenzana, DPM, and the team provide diabetic foot care to people of all ages. To make an appointment at the practice in San Antonio, Texas, call the office, or click the online booking feature today.
Diabetic Foot Care Q&A
What is diabetic foot care?
Diabetic foot care combines routine check-ups, healthy lifestyle changes, and prescription medication to keep your feet healthy.
If you have diabetes, it can affect the circulation to your lower extremities and increase the risk of permanent nerve damage. If the nerves in your feet don’t work as they should, you might cut yourself or step on something sharp and not realize it. Over time, that break in your skin could become infected, resulting in gangrene or the need for amputation.
Diabetic foot care reduces the risk of these and other issues, by educating people with diabetes on the importance of healthy feet.
What does diabetic foot care involve?
At South Alamo Foot & Ankle, the team tailors diabetic foot care to your individual needs. Your provider reviews your medical history, asks about the symptoms you're experiencing, and conducts a comprehensive foot exam.
During your visit, let your provider know about the type of diabetes you have and whether you take any medications to manage your symptoms.
After gathering the necessary information, the team can make recommendations to keep your feet healthy and problem-free. Often, that involves regular checkups, healthy lifestyle changes, and a willingness to wear specific footwear.
How can I practice diabetic foot care at home?
If you have diabetes, it’s important to inspect your feet on a daily basis. The team at South Alamo Foot & Ankle also recommends:
Keeping your feet clean and dry
Cutting your nails straight across
Wearing dry socks
Always wearing shoes
Monitoring your blood sugar throughout the day
Exercising regularly
Quitting smoking
It’s also important to eat a balanced diet and keep your blood sugar levels in check.
How often do I need diabetic foot care?
The team at South Alamo Foot & Ankle urges people with diabetes to schedule a diabetic foot care appointment at least once every year. That rule applies even if you have control of your diabetes. Regular foot exams can alert you to potentially serious issues early on and help you stay mobile for years to come.
To explore the benefits of diabetic foot care, make an appointment at South Alamo Foot & Ankle. Click the online booking feature, or call the office to speak with a caring staff member today.
