Diabetic Foot Care
If you are a diabetic patient, caring for your feet and maintaining optimal foot health is just as important as keeping your blood sugar in check. A significant number of amputations every year in the country are because of diabetes-related complications. Take your foot care seriously and you can avoid amputation and other symptoms in your lower extremities.
How Diabetes Affects Your Foot?
People with diabetes risk developing diabetic neuropathy in the feet and legs due to high blood sugar levels. If left unchecked and untreated, it becomes dangerous. In no time, an unchecked wound can fester and become an infection requiring extreme medical intervention. For this reason, you must prioritize diabetic foot care with Dr. Parekh, an experienced Chicago podiatrist, so your wounds don’t worsen.
Diabetic Foot Symptoms
Foot problems are common for just anyone. But people with diabetes must be extra cautious. So, look out for these signs and immediately seek a specialist (podiatrist) to avoid the problem from worsening:
- Blisters or open sores
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Change in feet shape and skin color
- Corns or calluses
- Extreme touch sensitivity
- Loss of sensation in toes, feet, and/or legs
- Muscle weakness
- Pain and swelling in legs and feet
- Tingling sensation
When to See a Podiatrist?
If you have diabetes, you must have a podiatrist on your diabetic care team, from the beginning. Podiatrists are specially-trained to help address the problems of the lower legs, ankles, and feet. Upon initial and every further evaluation, they determine your chances of complications with your feet. Even the tiniest crack can develop into something major, so foot care and checkups are essential.
Ideally, seeing your podiatrist every 2-3 months keeps foot problems in check and helps reduce the risk of hospitalization by 24% and the chances of lower limb amputation by up to 85%.
Foot Care At Home
Take control of your foot health right away. Work with Dr. Parekh, an expert podiatrist, but be thorough with at-home upkeep for enhanced care.
- Check your feet daily for scratches, bruises, or wounds
- Keep your feet and nails clean
- Stop smoking
- Wear shoes that fit right
- Avoid going barefoot to prevent injuring your feet
- Wear socks to prevent developing sores and wounds
Get Specialist Help Today
If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, having a renowned Chicago podiatrist on your care team is crucial. Dr. Paras Parekh from BFAC can be your foot care provider to ensure your feet remain safe and healthy. So, please call 312.444.0977 and request an appointment today. We look forward to serving you with your unique health needs.