Warminster & Newtown Diabetic Foot Care & Wound Care

Serving Patients in Southeastern Pennsylvania

As a chronic disease, diabetes requires a lifetime of treatment. It is caused by excess levels of sugar in the bloodstream and can lower the body’s chances to fight off infections. This can affect nerves and can cause damage to the immune system and internal organs when diabetes is not properly controlled.

With nerve damage, the feet can be effected in many ways. Patients may not be able to feel their feet and sweat and oil production can be impaired, leading to pressure on the bones, skin, and joints when walking. The skin may even begin to break down, leading to painful sores.

Contact Bux-Mont Foot & Ankle Care Centers today to schedule an appointment, or to learn more about diabetic foot care & wound care in Warminster & Newtown.

For patients with diabetes, it is vital to recognize and control diabetes-related foot issues before they develop. Seeking the right treatment is vital to protecting your feet. Contact our Southeastern Pennsylvania podiatrists at Bux-Mont Foot & Ankle Care Centers to schedule an appointment at our Warminster or Newtown offices.

Your Feet & Complications from Diabetes

There are a number of risk factors that can lead to diabetic infections and related issues in the legs, ankles, and feet. These include:

• Poor-fitting shoes can lead to blisters, sores, calluses, corns, and pain
• Existing foot abnormalities like hammertoes, bunions, and flat feet can cause further damage with diabetic complications
• Nerve damage, called peripheral neuropathy, may occur when diabetes is poorly controlled
• Patients may lose sensation, balance, and sense of the position in their feet when walking
• Without sensation, minor injuries like cuts and blisters can go untreated, leading to infection
• Abnormal strain can wear and tear on muscles, causing joint pain throughout the legs and hips

Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Foot Care

How often should someone with diabetes see a podiatrist?

People with diabetes should see a podiatrist at least once a year for a foot exam, even if they don't have any foot problems. If they have foot problems, they may need to see a podiatrist more frequently.

What should someone with diabetes do to take care of their feet at home?

People with diabetes should take the following steps to take care of their feet at home:

• Wash their feet daily with warm water and mild soap, and dry them thoroughly.
• Moisturize their feet, but not between the toes, to prevent dry skin and cracking.
• Check their feet daily for cuts, blisters, or other injuries.
• Trim their toenails straight across and not too short.
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and protect their feet.
• Don't walk barefoot, especially outdoors.
• Don't use over-the-counter products to remove calluses or corns.

What are some signs of a diabetic foot problem?

Signs of a diabetic foot problem may include:

• Redness, swelling, or warmth in the foot or ankle
• Pain or tenderness in the foot or ankle
• A wound or sore that doesn't heal
• A callus or corn that's painful or tender
• Changes in skin color or temperature
• Numbness or tingling in the feet
• Foul odor or discharge from a wound or sore.

If someone with diabetes notices any of these symptoms, they should see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Contact Our Southeastern Pennsylvania Podiatrists Today

Complications from diabetes can be dangerous to the feet, but taking precautions and controlling your diabetes may help avoid serious issues. Do not smoke, take any medication as prescribed, visit your primary physician and your podiatrist regularly, exercise and eat healthy, and wear well-fitting shoes. Our Southeastern Pennsylvania podiatrists can help lay out preventative techniques and treatments to prevent pain and diabetes complications and save your feet.

Call Bux-Mont Foot & Ankle Care Centers at (215) 392-4009 to schedule an appointment for Warminster & Newtown diabetic foot care & podiatric wound care.