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If you’re one of the 37.3 million Americans with diabetes, you need routine foot checks to protect your feet from ulcers and other diabetes complications. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona, diabetic foot evaluations are available for adults and children. Expert podiatrists Antonius Su, DPM, and Alex Stewart, DPM, also specialize in wound care treatments and surgery to heal foot ulcers and prevent permanent tissue damage. Call the Chandler, Arizona, office to schedule a diabetic foot care appointment today, or book a consultation online.
What is diabetic foot care?
Diabetic foot care includes podiatry services that treat and prevent diabetes-related foot complications, including slow-healing wounds and the death of tissue (necrosis) in your toes and feet.
Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona provides diabetic foot care for adults and children. The experienced podiatry team manages existing foot issues that result from diabetes. Providers also show you how to care for your feet to prevent complications.
Why do I need diabetic foot care?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes high blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce the hormone insulin that’s needed to regulate the sugar in your blood. Type 2 diabetes develops when your pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to control blood sugars or doesn’t use the insulin it makes properly.
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to serious health complications, including nerve damage (neuropathy) that causes a loss of sensation in your feet. When you can’t feel your feet, you may not notice cuts or other injuries that become infected and lead to painful ulcers.
Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona offers comprehensive diabetic foot care to prevent severe foot injuries. The team focuses on lowering your risk of foot ulcers and loss of blood flow to your feet (gangrene) so you can avoid amputation surgery.
What happens during a diabetic foot care appointment?
During your initial diabetic foot care visit at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona, your podiatrist reviews your medical history and evaluates your current diabetes treatment plan. They also complete a physical exam of your feet to identify cuts and other injuries.
If you have cuts, sores, or ulcers that aren’t healing properly, your provider can address them in the office. They offer complete wound care services to prevent infections and may perform an outpatient procedure to clean wounds and remove damaged tissue.
The team also has experience with skin grafts and other surgical techniques to ensure your wound heals fully.
Your podiatrist teaches you how to check your feet daily for injuries and how to trim your toenails properly to prevent ingrown nails. They may also recommend exercises that increase blood flow to your feet and ankles.
Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona to schedule a diabetic foot care consultation, or book an appointment online today.