Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic Foot Care Pittsburgh Area
Asking about Diabetic Foot Care Pittsburgh? The answer is, anyone with Diabetes should have a yearly diabetic foot exam to check for Diabetic Neuropathy and prevent foot infections. Diabetes is a serious metabolic disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which causes high blood sugar levels. This is toxic to the bodies smallest blood vessels- to the eyes, the kidneys, and to the nerves of the feet. That is why in addition to yearly diabetic foot exams, should also have their eyes and kidneys tested!
It afflicts about 16 million Americans and can cause very serious long-term complications, including kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, eye damage, osteoporosis, and foot damage.
Diabetic Foot Exam for Neuropathy Moon
What to expect during a Diabetic Foot Exam
Our main goal is to prevent foot infections leading to amputations; your Podiatrist will first ask many questions about your blood sugar. Then she will visually inspect the skin of the foot for any open areas, cracks between the toes or on the heels, and the condition of your skin (too damp or too dry) Areas of redness and blisters are attended to. Different treatment protocols are recommended for each condition.
Then Dr Teimouri will check your pulses in your feet to see if you have adequate blood supply to heal any wounds. Next the neurological exam uses a very specific thickness of nylon bristle to check the nerves in your foot and determine if protective sensation is intact. This determines if you have DIABETIC NEUROPATHY, which is serious , but can be managed by your podiatrist. Last she will check for any bony deformities that put you at risk for pressure sores that can open the skin and become infected.
Don’t endure diabetic foot pain call now 878-313-3338
Click Here to E-mail Dr. Christina Teimouri
Preventing diabetic foot problems
The elevated blood sugar levels found in diabetics can negatively affect blood circulation in all parts of the body. This is especially true of the feet, since they’re the furthest away from the heart. One of the unfortunate results of this poor circulation is nerve damage. This is known as diabetic neuropathy.
Common symptoms include:
- numbness in the feet and toes
- a “pins and needles” sensation
- sharp pain in one or both feet that is worse in the evening
- weakness of the muscles of the feet, ankles, and lower legs
- a painful, burning sensation.
- the formation of ulcers and other non-healing wounds
- loss of sensation, which can progress to a total lack of feeling in one or both feet.
Foot Care Tips For Diabetics
Check your feet every day. Examine your skin for wounds, blisters, swelling, redness, or nail issues. Take a look at the soles of your feet in a hand mirror with a magnifying lens. If you observe anything, contact your physician.
Wash your feet in warm water—never hot water. Wash your feet every day to keep them clean. Only use lukewarm water; that is, water that you would use on a newborn child.
When washing your feet, use caution. Use a soft washcloth or sponge to clean them. Dry by patting or blotting, and dry between the toes with care.
Do not moisturise the area in between your toes. To prevent dry skin from itching or cracking, moisturise daily. However, avoid moisturising in between the toes as this may promote a fungal infection.
Neuropathy
As a result of diabetic neuropathy, many diabetics literally cannot feel their feet. They can be completely unaware when they’ve injured their feet, particularly if the injury is minor.
The following scenario is typical. First, a diabetic develops a blister or other minor irritation from footwear that doesn’t fit properly. They then fail to realize that this has happened, and continue to make this minor injury worse. Finally, the wound becomes infected. Due to the poor blood flow common among diabetics this infection can easily become an ulcer.
Needless to say, proper foot protection is critical for patients with diabetic neuropathy. Part of this protection are specially made diabetic shoes and socks.
We’re ready to help.
Schedule an appointment with Beaver Valley Foot Clinic today.
New Moleculight Flouresceces Bacteria present in Wounds:
Why are diabetic socks so important?
It’s simple. Diabetic socks keep diabetic feet dry and reduce friction. Many also function like compression stocking, preventing blood from trickling back down the legs and pooling. There are many different makes, lengths and styles, so there’s sure to be a pair that fits your exact needs.
The following is a list of features common to most diabetic socks:
- Seamless construction. Most diabetic socks are constructed without seams. This helps prevent friction injuries such as blisters.
- Breathability. Good diabetic socks allow as much air as possible to circulate around the feet and toes.
- Moisture control. The material used to make diabetic socks keep your feet dry by wicking moisture away from the skin.
- Square box toe construction. Diabetic socks are designed without narrow tips. This helps prevent excessive moisture from building up between the toes.
- Extra warmth. Diabetes negatively affects circulation, which can lead to cold feet. Most diabetic socks are constructed with fabric which offers a high degree of insulation.
- Padding. High quality diabetic socks often have extra padding to cushion and protect the feet.
- Proper fitting. Diabetic socks are designed to conform to the foot. This prevents them from being too loose or too tight, which reduces friction.
What Are Some Early Signs Of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
Early signs of diabetic foot are easy to identify, here’s what you should look for:
• Redness
• Swelling
• Areas of skin irritation
• Pain and tenderness
• Sore or wound that doesn’t heal
• Small cut that seems to worsen overtime
• Pus Or drainage
• Signs of infection
• Warmth
• Foul odor and change in skin color
Early defections are extremely important, if you notice any if these then please consider visiting your doctor and getting the treatment. If left untreated, it will turn into a much bigger problem eventually.
Can Diabetes Cause Toenail Fungus Or Other Infections?
Yes, diabetes does increase the risks of toenail fungus and other infections because of high blood sugar levels, which are known to weaken immune system and slow down healing. Since your immune system is weaker, it’s much more prone to bacteria that can cause toenail fungus, the moment you go out barefoot, you might get attacked by the bacteria and your body won’t be able to defend you at all. But it’s not just toenail fungus, other fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also get you, which is why diabetic patients aren’t allowed to stay barefoot. Keep your feet dry, trim the nails carefully, maintain a proper hygiene, and wear breathable shoes, you will stay miles away from any of the infections.
Does Cold Weather Worsen Diabetic Foot Problems?
Yes, cold whether can reduce blood circulation, which is already a serious problem among diabetics. A terrible blood circulation will cause numbness, making it harder for you to feel anything, so you won’t know if you develop cuts, blisters, or frostbites. Not to mention, winter air can cause crack the skin, which may contribute to infections. So the best thing you can do during winter is staying as warm as possible, wear comfortable shoes and socks to protect your feet at all costs.
Further considerations on Diabetic Foot Care Pittsburgh:
Many diabetic patients suffer from both impaired arterial blood flow and vein-related swelling. A recent study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology has examined this problem in light of diabetic compression socks. The results further confirmed that socks providing mild-moderate compression were able to reduce edema (swelling) while not negatively affecting blood flow to the feet. Selecting the right socks can be quite a balancing act, yet can present a win-win solution if done properly. If this describes your situation don’t just guess—seek the help of a podiatrist before buying your diabetic socks.
Don’t let diabetic foot pain get you. Call now 878-313-3338
We have same Day and Emergency appointments for Diabetics with a diabetic foot ulcer available in one of our 4 foot clinics in Beaver County, Cranberry Twp foot clinics, or Podiatrist office in Moon Twp!
Click Here to E-mail Dr. Christina Teimouri
Only at Beaver Valley Foot Clinic Diabetic Foot Centers:
- Monday through Friday same day appointments
- Weekends available for emergencies, as well as early evening appointments
- Foot Doctor near me with more than 25 years of passion for wound care
- Surgical ABFAS Board Certified
- Dr Teimouri DPM never gives up on her patients!
There are several types of diabetes:
- Type 1: Adults with this type of diabetes (sometimes know as insulin-dependent) cannot make their own insulin, so they must take it every day to live.
- Diabetes type 2: People with this, the most common type of diabetes, may have to take insulin or pills so that their body can use insulin more effectively. Type 2 diabetes is connected to family history, age, and obesity, among other things.
- Gestational diabetes: Women in the later stages of pregnancy experienced this. It usually disappears after a woman has given birth, but about 50 of women who experience gestational diabetes will then develop Type 2 diabetes in as few as five years.
How To Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers may seem so hard or even impossible to prevent sometimes, but we have some tips fir you that can help you prevent any kind of wound, you should follow them properly:
- Do Not Forget To Wash Your Feet Everyday
Your feet can stay healthy if only you wash it regularly! You should use warm water to wash your feet at least once a day.
Do not use hot or too cold water, it may damage your skin. You are allowed to use pumice stone to eliminate any corns or calluses on your feet, but don’t overdo them.
You develop wounds or infections.
Lastly, make sure to dry your feet properly with a towel and don’t forget to avoid moisture between your toes.
- Trim Your Nails Straight Across
If you trim your toenails round or in a circular direction then you are more likely to develop problems like ingrown toenail which can be a really big problem for diabetic patients.
It will damage your skin which can lead to infection, therefore don’t take risk and keep your toenails straight.
- Check Your Feet On Daily Basis
When you are suffering from diabetic foot it’s a good idea to check your feet daily since your feet loses its ability to sense.
This way even if you develop any wounds you will get to know about them.
Then you can easily treat them right away and avoid serious complications.
If you notice any swelling, cuts, cracks, blisters or redness on your feet then inform your doctor right away.
Lastly, if you can’t check your feet on your own then ask a family member to do it for you.
- Avoid Smoking
Why? Because it’s already bad for your health and it restricts your veins too which means if you smoke during diabetes then you will worsen your condition!
Foot Damage in Diabetics
Diabetic Foot Care – Pittsburgh
Diabetic Foot Exam, Cranberry Twp
Because of reduced blood flow or nerve damage in the feet, individuals with diabetes are prone to many complications, including foot infections. If left untreated, these infections—some of which begin as just cuts or blisters—could lead to potentially serious consequences, including foot, toe or even leg amputation.
What are Diabetic Ulcers?
When pressure limits the blood getting to an area of skin,Diabetic foot ulcers are the sores that can occur . The body’s own weight, ,your feet striking the ground, and normal daily activities cause stress to parts of the foot like the ball of the foot, the big toe, and the heel creating sores. If not treated, an open ulcer may let infection enter your foot or toe, which can lead to an amputation and even death. Beaver Valley Foot Clinic’s Podiatrist, can help prevent diabetic ulcers and cure them once they appear.
Are there any special considerations for diabetic foot care during pregnancy?
Yes, there are several special considerations for diabetic foot care during pregnancy:
- Regular Monitoring: Pregnant women with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels closely, as pregnancy can affect blood sugar control. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can increase the risk of foot complications, so it’s essential to maintain stable blood glucose levels through proper diet, exercise, and medication management.
- Foot Inspections: Pregnant women with diabetes should continue to inspect their feet daily for any signs of injury, infection, or changes in sensation. Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, foot swelling and changes in foot size may occur, increasing the risk of friction and pressure-related injuries.
- Proper Footwear: It’s important for pregnant women with diabetes to wear comfortable, supportive footwear that accommodates changes in foot size and shape. Avoiding high heels and tight-fitting shoes can help prevent foot discomfort and reduce the risk of developing foot problems.
Can diabetic foot problems be reversed or managed with proper care and treatment?
Yes, diabetic foot problems can be managed and, in some cases, reversed with proper care and treatment. Here’s how:
- Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing and managing diabetic foot problems. Proper blood sugar control helps reduce the risk of nerve damage (neuropathy), improve circulation, and promote wound healing.
- Foot Care Practices: Practicing good foot hygiene, inspecting the feet daily for signs of injury or infection, keeping the feet clean and dry, and wearing properly fitting shoes can help prevent diabetic foot problems from developing or worsening.
- Regular Foot Exams: Routine foot exams by a healthcare provider, such as a podiatrist or diabetes specialist, can help detect early signs of foot problems and intervene promptly. Regular foot exams may include assessing circulation, sensation, and the condition of the skin and nails.
Keep Your Feet Healthy Through Diabetic Foot Care Pittsburgh
The good news is that you can often manage your Diabetic Foot Care Pittsburgh to prevent or minimize most diabetic foot problems. This reduces the risk of limb loss. Since diabetes affects different parts of the body, most diabetics must see several medical specialists for proper disease management. Beaver Valley Foot Clinic’s doctors will work with you to develop an individualized, easy-to-follow plan to help keep your feet healthy. Call 878-313-3338 today!
Diabetic Foot Care Pittsburgh Testimonials
Charcot Foot
Diabetic Patient with a Burn on his Foot, Hopewell PA initial visit
Patient with a Burn on his Foot, Hopewell PA several weeks visit
Diabetic with a Burn on his Foot, Hopewell PA after treatment
Venous Stasis Leg Ulcer Bridgewater Pa
After Diabetic Ulcer Care Beaver PA Venous Stasis Leg Ulcer Bridgewater Pa
I’m very happy