Diabetic Foot Evaluations & Treatment

-Presentation: Being Diabetic is a big risk factor for patients and foot problems. The diabetic foot is complicated by multiple factors. Patients can develop diabetic neuropathy which makes it difficult for patients to feel their feet and can also be associated with burning and tingling. This is further complicated by foot deformities that cause increased areas of pressure that can break down the skin causing a wound otherwise known as a diabetic foot ulcer which is further complicated by poor blood flow in diabetic patients caused by clogging of the arteries with plaque.

-Common Causes: Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

-How to Prevent: It is very important to have close follow up by an Endocrinologist, Primary care physician and Podiatrist for often checks and maintenance, and to control your blood sugar levels.

-Treatment: Mainstay of treatment is prevention of neuropathy, poor blood flow and the other risk factors associated with Diabetes. This can be done by counseling from your podiatrist about appropriate shoe-wear, routine foot care and close monitoring.