Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects many parts of the body but can cause severe complications in the feet that require expert diabetic foot care. At Specialized Foot and Ankle Care in Carteret, Perth Amboy, and Edison, New Jersey, podiatrists Ankur Bahri, DPM, and Sandeep Sandhu, DPM, provide comprehensive and personalized diabetic foot care. They evaluate your feet, keep them healthy, and treat foot problems before they turn severe. Call the nearest office today or schedule your diabetic foot care appointment online.

Why do people with diabetes need diabetic foot care?

People with diabetes need diabetic foot care because a small cut or blister on the foot can turn quickly into a severe infection.

Diabetes affects the body’s use of glucose (sugar) for energy. People with diabetes have too much sugar in their blood because of problems with insulin. This hormone moves sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. The excess sugar damages blood vessels, tissues, and organs.

The blood vessels in the feet are tiny and more susceptible to damage. Lack of blood flow to the feet delays wound healing. Poor circulation also damages the tiny nerves in the feet, affecting sensation.

People with diabetes can have a cut or blister and not feel it. The wound might not heal because of poor circulation, leading to an infection. Without proper treatment, the infection can spread, causing tissue death (gangrene) and limb loss (amputation).

When do I need diabetic foot care?

Everyone with diabetes needs diabetic foot care. The frequency of the specialized care depends on your foot health and how severe your diabetes is.

You should see the team at Specialized Foot and Ankle Care at least once a year for a general foot evaluation. They use the information from this exam to determine how often to schedule your follow-up visits.

You also need diabetic foot care when you have a foot problems like:

• Corns and calluses
• Athlete’s foot
• Toenail fungus
• Blisters
• Cuts or wounds
• Ingrown toenails
• Foot pain
• Bunions
• Hammertoe

The sooner you get diabetic foot care, the better.

What can I expect during diabetic foot care?

At Specialized Foot and Ankle Care, you can expect comprehensive, personalized diabetic foot care. The team reviews your medical history and examines your feet. They might also perform tests to assess foot circulation and nerve health.

Following the exam, your podiatrist talks to you about their findings and recommends how to care for your feet at home. They can also trim your toenails and remove calluses or corns. 

What can I do at home for diabetic foot care?

Specialized Foot and Ankle Care provides personalized guidance on how to care for your feet at home. They recommend:

• Inspecting your feet daily
• Cleaning your feet with lukewarm water
• Wearing shoes that fit properly
• Wearing clean socks
• Never walking barefoot

At Specialized Foot & Ankle Care, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Bahari treat patients for bunions, diabetic foot care, athlete foot, sports injuries, heel pain, and more. We are a foot and ankle specialist practice located in New Jersey. Call us to book your appointment today.