Uncontrolled diabetes can affect your overall health, especially the health of your feet. At Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood of Chicago, the board-certified podiatrists offer comprehensive diabetic foot care and prevention resources to help you avoid health complications and the need for amputation. The skilled medical team offers on-site treatment options to address existing foot issues due to diabetes and routine appointments to evaluate the health of your foot. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about treatment by using the online booking feature or calling the office.
request an appointmentWhat is diabetic foot?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that causes your blood sugars to remain persistently high. As a result of uncontrolled blood sugar levels, you can develop nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, which affects the sensations you experience in your feet.
Losing feeling in your feet can leave you susceptible to injuries or infections that you may not even notice until they become serious. You can also develop blood vessel damage, which limits the flow of blood to your feet.
Blood is essential for providing nutrients and oxygen to your feet, and when circulation is affected, the tissues in your feet can start to die off. Without sufficient blood flow, you can also develop serious infections and tissue death, known as gangrene, that can result in the loss of your toes or foot.
How do I care for my feet if I have diabetes?
If you have diabetes, it’s important that you care for your feet every day to prevent diabetic foot and its complications. The staff at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists recommend daily care tips to protect the health of your foot.
These care tips include:
- Wash feet daily
- Apply moisturizing lotion
- Keep toenails trimmed
- Avoid going barefoot
You also need to check your feet for early signs of complications. If you notice any cuts, sores, or other changes to your skin, schedule an evaluation at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists as soon as possible.
What treatments are available for diabetic foot?
Initially, the team at Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists will evaluate the overall condition of your foot and use nonsurgical methods to address open wounds and prevent infection. They may use topical medications or oral antibiotics to reduce your risk for serious complications.
If the tissue has already begun to die, you may need a surgical procedure to remove the dead tissue. While untreated circulation problems cause gangrene, your physician may recommend surgery to remove your toes or sections of your foot.
Ultimately, the goal of treatment for the diabetic foot is to prevent amputation. Your Miklos Foot and Ankle Specialists provider works closely with you through routine evaluations and resources for proper foot care to preserve the health of your foot.
If you have diabetes and need expert foot care to prevent diabetic foot, call the office today or schedule a consultation online.