When it comes to the feet, the bones and joints have an important job of supporting the body. However, for a person with diabetes, the increased blood sugar levels affect the blood vessels and nerves in the feet. This is what will lead to diabetic foot problems like numbness, weakness and pain.
At Shady Grove Podiatry, our doctors are wound care specialists, as well as current panel physicians at the Shady Grove Medical Center Wound Care Center, working to treat all types of lower extremity wounds. We utilize the latest advancements in wound care to treat and heal venous, diabetic, and traumatic wounds.
What Causes Diabetes Foot Problems?
When there is an abnormal amount of blood sugar in the body, the foot experiences a decrease in sensitivity, which ultimately causes nerve damage. When an individual experiences this, they are no longer able to feel normal sensations in their foot and a simple blister can become infected without the person knowing. This is known as neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy, the most common type of diabetic neuropathy, is especially problematic when blood sugar levels are not controlled. When blood glucose levels become too high, nerves leading to the extremities are affected, causing tingling, numbness and even pain in areas such as the hands and feet.
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CONTACT USConditions Treated
The following foot conditions are associated with diabetes. Call us if you have any of the following:
- Bunions
- Calluses
- Corns
- Ingrown toenails
- Toenail fungus
- Ulcers
Diabetic Neuropathy Can Cause Long-Term Complications
People with diabetic neuropathy are at higher risk for injury, infections and even foot or leg amputation. Without properly working nerve receptors, you’re unable to feel pain, which can lead to injury without knowing it. Injuries from common problems like stubbing your toe or blisters from ill-fitting shoes go unnoticed and can quickly become infected if the patient is not diligently inspecting their feet. Sometimes, no matter how much you care for your feet, cuts and wounds can be easily missed and lead to a serious infection. Diabetic neuropathy inhibits blood circulation, which also causes problems for wounds to heal properly.
Early symptoms of diabetic neuropathy can include:
- Persistent tingling or burning sensation in the feet
- Numbness, reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes
- Muscle weakness
- Balance issues
- Pain in the feet that worsens with walking or wearing socks and/or shoes
OUR DOCTORS
Our team of doctors is committed to providing the most advanced podiatry options to meet your needs.
MEET OUR DOCTORSTreatment
When you come to Shady Grove Podiatry, we will provide you the services that you need to care for, treat and prevent further diabetic foot problems. Our expert podiatrists will thoroughly examine your feet and create a customized regimen for making sure that your feet get the best care.During our assessment, we pay special attention to your reflexes, muscle strength, and response to touch points and vibrations, which can help us determine the severity of your neuropathy.
Having regular checkups on your lower extremities can help you monitor peripheral artery disease, or PAD, and neuropathy. Closely monitoring your feet when you have diabetes can help prevent more serious complications from happening.
Our comprehensive diabetic wound care includes many different services, including:
- Ulcer treatment
- Nail and skin care
- At-home foot care
- Shoe fittings
Diabetic wounds are caused by open sores or wounds and are typically located at the bottom of the foot. Six percent of those who suffer from diabetic wounds will be hospitalized due to infection or other ulcer-related complications. Once someone develops a diabetic foot wound, there is a good chance of further infection and even amputation if not treated properly.
For those who suffer diabetic wounds, they usually lose the ability to feel pain. However, signs you can look out for are:
- Drainage in your socks
- Redness and swelling
- Odor
Preventative Care
Diabetes is an everyday struggle, and once there is a problem such as an ulcer or open wound, it can be difficult to heal and stave off infection. That is why preventative care is essential for future foot health. At Shady Grove Podiatry, we provide routine checkups that monitor your feet’ circulation, sensation levels and signs of injury or infection. We can also cut the toenails in a way to prevent ingrown toenails and file down dry skin to make monitoring for cracks and cuts easier. We also offer instruction for at-home care which covers how to properly care for your feet, what products to use and what to look for daily to ensure you stay on top of your diabetic foot care health.
Contact Shady Grove Podiatry Today
Shady Grove Podiatry gives its patients service they can trust. To set up an appointment today for your foot concern, contact us online or call Shady Grove Podiatry in Gaithersburg, Maryland at 301-948-2995.
Telephone No.301-948-2995