Diabetes affects 30 million Americans, and some of the most common side effects are foot problems. For effective diabetic foot care to prevent and treat foot injuries, visit San Juan Foot and Ankle Center in Montrose and Delta, Colorado. Podiatrists and foot surgeon, Christopher O. Cook, DPM, FACFAS, offers comprehensive and caring diabetic foot treatment. Call or schedule an appointment online today to get your feet checked.
Without proper regulation of blood sugar levels, diabetes can cause wounds, open sores, ulcers, and loss of sensation in your feet. Excess glucose in your blood causes irritation and inflammation to the blood vessels and nerves in your feet, making you more susceptible to foot injuries. These injuries include:
Diabetic neuropathy is another long-term consequence of diabetes in which you lose sensation in your feet, including your ability to feel pain and temperature changes. This can cause more foot problems since you cannot feel the pain of a cut, sore, or blister. In severe cases of uncontrolled diabetes or poor diabetic foot care, you may require an amputation.
Diabetic foot care is a combination of at-home care and podiatrist exams to prevent injuries and provide treatment to support healing, if injuries do occur. At-home diabetic foot care includes:
Getting regular foot exams from Dr. Cook is another step you can take to ensure your feet remain healthy and injury-free. Both surgeons offer comprehensive treatment of corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails so you can get effective, safe care to help your feet heal.
Since diabetes causes nerve damage and poor circulation, it is essential to get regular foot care at San Juan Foot and Ankle Center to reduce your risk of complications. Common complications of diabetes include:
In severe cases, there may be a need to protect your healthy tissue from an infection or other foot complication, and an amputation may be recommended. Dr. Cook provides thorough and effective care to prevent and treat all diabetes-related foot complications and reduce your need for an amputation.
Protect your feet and your health with diabetic foot care at San Juan Foot and Ankle Center. Call or schedule an appointment online now.