Diabetic foot care is the only thing standing between you and a dangerous diabetic foot ulcer. The exceptional podiatrists at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery provide comprehensive foot care designed to prevent and treat problems caused by diabetes. They also have extensive experience in limb salvage techniques that treat advanced diabetic foot disease and help prevent amputations. To learn more about diabetic foot care or to schedule an appointment, call the office in Burbank, Santa Clarita, or Northridge, California, or use the online booking feature today!

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Why do I need diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care prevents and treats the serious complications caused by high blood sugar. High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, a condition called diabetic peripheral neuropathy. That type of neuropathy begins in the nerves providing sensation to your feet.

At first, neuropathy causes tingling in your feet. As the nerve damage worsens, you lose sensation. Then you can’t feel small cuts, bruises, sores, or other foot conditions, so you don’t treat the problem.

Further complications develop when blood vessel damage limits circulation, depriving foot sores of the blood needed to heal. Then, even a small cut turns into a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer.

Diabetic foot ulcers cause skin and bone infections, making them the leading cause of amputations.

Can I practice diabetic foot care at home?

Everyone with diabetes should have a routine foot exam at least once a year. You can also prevent ulcers by examining, cleaning, and moisturizing your feet every day. That daily routine helps you catch problems at an early stage.

Schedule an appointment with a Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery podiatrist as soon as 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 like bunions or hammertoes

Anything that places extra pressure on your foot puts you at risk of developing an ulcer.

What diabetic foot care services might I receive?

Your provider may ask to see you more than once yearly if you have a history of diabetic foot ulcers. During your foot care appointments, they examine your feet, test for sensation and reflexes, and provide the care you need, such as:

  • Wound care
  • Ulcer cleaning and dressings
  • Off-loading footwear
  • Custom orthotics
  • Medications
  • Foot care education
  • Diabetes education
  • Treatment for foot conditions

The Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery podiatrists are also experts in limb salvage procedures. Limb salvage refers to taking measures to preserve your feet and prevent amputation. It could include many possible steps, such as:

  • Wound care (wound cleaning, advanced dressings, and tissue substitutes)
  • Devices that take pressure off foot ulcers
  • Infection control
  • Surgical reconstruction

Surgical reconstruction may include repairing damaged tissues, restoring circulation, and reconstructing the foot.

If you have diabetes, it’s never too soon to start diabetic foot care. Call the office or request an appointment online today.