If you’re one of the 30 million Americans living with diabetes, you’re prone to serious foot complications, including nerve damage. At Foot Care Specialists PC, the practice of Marshall L. Lukoff, DPM, FAAFS, the medical team provides diabetic foot care to help maintain your best overall health. As the premier podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist, with offices in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dr. Lukoff and his compassionate team ensure that each patient has the best diabetic foot care available. Schedule an appointment at either office or use online booking to get the care you need.
Diabetic Foot Care Q & A
What foot complications are associated with diabetes?
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) in your feet if you don’t take care of them properly. Neuropathy can make it hard to feel pain, heat, or cold. You can lose feeling in your feet and be unaware of a foot injury or a blister on your toe. If you can’t feel pain and you get a puncture wound or tiny cut in one of your toes, your feet can develop infections.
Other foot complications associated with diabetes include:
- Calluses
- Foot ulcers
- Dry, scaly skin on your feet
- Ingrown toenails
- Poor circulation so your feet are cold all the time
- Foot deformities
- Fractures or bone dislocations
If you have diabetes and experience symptoms from any of these related conditions, you could benefit from diabetic foot care from the medical team at Foot Care Specialists. They can take care of your nails and skin to make sure your feet are as healthy as possible.
What are the symptoms of diabetic foot problems?
You should see Dr. Lukoff regularly if you have diabetes so he can examine your feet and observe any changes that can occur. It’s a good idea to come in every six months for a regular checkup, but sooner if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Changes in your skin color around your ankles and feet
- Swelling in your feet or ankles
- Persistent sores on your feet
- Numbness
- Tingling or burning pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal toenails
- Athlete’s foot
- Dry, cracked skin around your heels
- Signs of infection or discomfort
It’s important to treat diabetic foot conditions before they lead to more serious situations like gangrene. Untreated diabetic neuropathy can potentially lead to amputation of the affected toes or foot.
How can I keep my feet healthy?
As a diabetic, your health care plan should include foot care as well. Check your feet daily for signs of infection or sores. Look for calluses or ingrown toenails, and touch your foot to see if any area feels colder or warmer than the rest of your foot.
Wash your feet daily and protect your feet from injury by wearing comfortable shoes with socks. Try to stay active to keep blood flowing to your feet. If you sit for long periods of time, get up and walk around as often as you can to promote circulation.
Schedule six-month checkups at Dr. Lukoff’s office to be sure you’re getting the attention and diabetic foot care you need to stay healthy. Book an appointment online or by calling either office.