Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic foot care treats common diabetes side effects, including diabetic ulcers (slow- or nonhealing wounds), ingrown toenails, and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). At Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia, board-certified podiatrists Leland Gilmore, DPM, and Shalin Panchigar, DPM, provide diabetic foot care to adults, teens, and children. Call Capital Podiatry Associates today to schedule a diabetic foot care appointment, or book your visit online.

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care is a podiatry specialty that diagnoses and treats diabetes-related foot problems. 

Diabetes is a group of chronic illnesses that cause abnormally high blood sugar. When blood sugar levels remain consistently too high, it damages the arteries, veins, organs, and nerves. This often affects blood flow to your lower extremities (legs, ankles, feet, and toes) and causes diabetic ulcers to form. 

If diabetes has caused nerve damage, you could cut yourself and not realize it. A small wound can grow and become infected, increasing your risk of more severe problems.

How can I tell if I need diabetic foot care?

Capital Podiatry Associates encourages everyone with diabetes to visit the office at least once a year. However, seek treatment immediately if you have symptoms that include:

• Cuts, blisters, calluses, or sores
• Pain
• Skin discoloration
• Swelling

Make an appointment right away if you have a wound on your feet or toes that shows signs of infection (frequent bleeding, discharge, or discolored edges).

What can I expect at a diabetic foot care appointment?

Capital Podiatry Associates tailors diabetic foot care to your individual needs.

First, your provider reviews your health records and asks about your diabetes, including what type you have, if you take medication to manage it, and whether you have a history of diabetes-related foot problems.

They then examine your lower legs, feet, and toes, checking for blisters, ulcers, or other wounds. They press on your skin with various tools to check for numbness and tingling.

If you have an infected wound, your provider takes a skin sample (biopsy) and sends it to a lab for analysis. They might also order diagnostic imaging (X-rays or ultrasound) to see if the wound extends beneath your skin to the underlying tissue or bone.

After gathering the necessary information, your provider recommends specific treatments.

How are diabetic foot problems treated?

Capital Podiatry Associates takes a conservative, integrative approach to treating diabetic foot problems. Your provider could suggest:

• Cleaning the wound if you have an ulcer or blister
• Draining fluid or pus from the ulcer
• Tissue debridement (removing dead or damaged skin)
• Applying special bandages and ointments to promote healing and prevent infection
• Prescription antibiotics (if you have an infection)
• Custom orthotics to take the pressure off the wound

Most people with diabetic foot problems benefit from several treatments at once.

Call Capital Podiatry Associates today to schedule diabetic foot care, or book your appointment online.