Diabetic Foot Care
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COACHELLA VALLEY FOOT AND ANKLE INSTITUTE, LP
Board Certified Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon & Podiatry located in Palm Desert, CA & Indio, CA
Diabetic foot ulcers affect roughly 15% of diabetics and if left untreated, can ultimately lead to amputation. Because diabetes increases your risk of lower leg complications, board-certified podiatrist, Ben Wehrli, DPM, of Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute provides comprehensive diabetic foot care in this Rancho Mirage, California, clinic. You can book your diabetic foot care exam or foot ulcer treatment appointment by clicking on the online booking feature or by calling the office.
Diabetic Foot Care Q & A
Why do I need diabetic foot care?
Diabetes increases your risk of a host of health issues all over your body. For instance, blood sugar spikes affect blood circulation. Since blood flow all the way to and from your toes is already a problem — your circulatory system has to work against the force of gravity — minor wounds and cuts can’t get the nutrients they need to heal quickly and efficiently.
It isn’t just your circulatory system that takes a toll. Diabetes also leads to nerve damage, especially in your feet and toes. This means that when a wound does occur, unless you see it, you probably won’t even know it’s there, since you can’t feel it.
Having diabetes even means that you’re more likely to have dry skin and nails that crack easily. This can leave you more prone to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, on top of slow-healing wounds.
Because all of these issues can be managed, it’s important to build a relationship with a trusted podiatrist to treat diabetic foot complications. Diabetic foot care addresses preventive care, wound treatment, and proper foot care at home.
When should I see a podiatrist if I have diabetes?
Because preventive care and maintenance is so important when you have diabetes, the expert podiatry team at Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute typically want to see you once a year. But if you have a history of diabetic ulcers or poorly managed blood sugar, they may want to see you more regularly — like two or three times annually.
It’s important to schedule an evaluation right away if you experience signs and symptoms of a diabetic foot wound, including:
- Pain or redness
- Fever or chills
- Foul-smelling foot odor
- Drainage in your shoes or socks
Because these issues indicate that you could have a diabetic wound that’s infected, don’t hesitate another day to schedule your diabetic foot care exam.
How are diabetic wounds treated?
The podiatry team at Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute thoroughly inspect your feet and ankles to check for signs of wounds and treat any wounds you may have. Treating diabetic wounds involves:
- Trimming away dead skin
- Cleaning your wound
- Applying topical ointments
- Bandaging your wound
- Off-loading weight with diabetic shoes or orthotics
Your podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics or other types of medications if you have an infection. The compassionate team at Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute even counsel you on how to care for your diabetic ulcer at home and how to prevent future wounds. You can expect quality diabetic foot care and treatment every time you come to the clinic.
Schedule your diabetic foot care examination at Coachella Valley Foot and Ankle Institute today. Click on the online scheduler, or call the office directly.
