Can a Foot Doctor Help Treat Symptoms of Diabetes?

Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, and many don’t realize how significantly this condition impacts foot health. Your feet face unique challenges when blood sugar levels remain elevated over time. While managing diabetes involves multiple healthcare professionals, podiatrists play a specialized role that many diabetics overlook. Here’s the connection between diabetes and foot health, explaining when you should seek a foot doctor and what treatments are available:

What Problems Affect Diabetic Feet?

Diabetes creates two main problems for your feet. First, high blood sugar damages nerves throughout your body, including those in your feet. This condition, called diabetic neuropathy, reduces sensation in your toes and feet. You might not feel cuts, blisters, or pressure sores developing.

Second, diabetes may also affect blood circulation. Poor circulation means wounds heal slowly, and infections develop more easily. Small cuts that would heal quickly in healthy individuals become serious problems for diabetics. These seemingly minor issues sometimes progress to ulcers or infections that require amputation.

Does a Podiatrist Treat Diabetes?

Podiatrists specialize in foot and ankle conditions, making them uniquely qualified to address diabetic foot complications. While they don’t treat diabetes itself, they focus on preventing and managing foot problems that diabetes causes. A podiatrist brings specialized knowledge about diabetic foot care that general practitioners might not have. They utilize advanced techniques for wound care, custom orthotics, and surgical interventions as needed. This expertise becomes useful when standard treatments aren’t working.

How Should Diabetics Care Daily?

Daily foot care prevents many serious complications. Start by washing your feet with warm water and mild soap every day. Dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes, where moisture creates breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi.

Check your feet daily for any changes. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or changes in skin color. Use a mirror to examine the bottoms of your feet, or ask someone to help you. Moisturize your feet but avoid putting lotion between your toes. Trim your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges. Choose shoes that fit properly and don’t create pressure points.

When Should You See Specialists?

Certain symptoms require immediate podiatric attention. Schedule an appointment with a foot doctor if you notice any open sores, persistent pain, signs of infection, or changes in the shape of your foot. Red streaks, warmth, or drainage from wounds are emergency signs that need prompt treatment. Don’t wait if you develop ingrown toenails, thick calluses, or fungal infections. These conditions worsen quickly in diabetics and become harder to treat over time. 

What Treatments Do Podiatrists Provide?

Podiatrists offer a range of treatments specifically designed for diabetic patients. They provide professional wound care using advanced dressings and techniques that help promote healing in diabetic skin. Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure and may prevent ulcers from developing. 

For infections, podiatrists prescribe appropriate antibiotics and may perform minor surgical procedures to remove infected tissue. They also treat fungal infections with prescription medications, which may be more effective than over-the-counter options. Advanced treatments include specialized shoes, compression therapy, and growth factor treatments for stubborn wounds. 

Book an Appointment With a Foot Doctor

Regular foot care is a key aspect of managing diabetes. Just like monitoring your blood sugar and taking medications, caring for your feet is helpful. Visiting a podiatrist can help prevent problems that might affect your daily life. Don’t wait for foot issues to arise. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist, along with daily foot hygiene, can help keep you mobile and independent. Contact a podiatrist to learn how they can support your diabetes management and find the best preventive steps for you.

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