ANKLE & FOOT CENTER OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Podiatry located in Tavares, FL
If you’re living with diabetes, you’re more likely to develop foot problems like open wounds, swelling, and nerve damage. Diabetic foot care can prevent these and other diabetes-related complications. Podiatrist Joanne Balkaran, DPM, FACFAS, CWS, and her team at Ankle & Foot Center of Central Florida in Tavares, Florida, offer a range of diabetic foot care, including diabetic shoes, annual screenings, and more. To request your diabetic foot care appointment today, call the office or use the online booking tool.
Diabetic Foot Care Q & A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a group of chronic diseases characterized by high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Blood glucose is necessary for your survival — it fuels your brain and provides energy for the cells that make up your muscles and soft tissues.
When your blood sugar levels are too high for an extended period, it leads to serious health problems, including nerve damage, heart disease, and obesity.
Why is diabetic foot care important?
Diabetic foot care is important because diabetes affects the circulation in your feet. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes damage your peripheral nerves and blood vessels. This increases your risk of slow-healing ulcers, infections, and, in severe cases, amputations.
If you don’t live a healthy lifestyle, regularly inspect your feet, and go to annual checkups, you’re also at a higher risk of developing foot-related complications. By taking preventive measures, you can keep your blood sugar levels in check and live a long and active life.
Can I prevent diabetes-related foot problems?
If you’re living with diabetes, you can take several steps to lower your risk of complications. The doctors at Ankle & Foot Center of Central Florida recommend:
- Wearing comfortable, closed-toed shoes
- Regularly washing your feet with warm water
- Inspecting your feet every day
- Trimming your toenails straight across
If you smoke, the team recommends that you quit. Smoking increases your risk of arteriosclerosis and causes poor circulation in your feet.
Are there different types of diabetic foot care?
The doctors at Ankle & Foot Center of Central Florida offer several types of diabetic foot care, including:
Routine foot care
Routine foot care for diabetics includes regular exams, prescription medications, and noninvasive treatments like debridement and wound care. The doctors at Ankle & Foot Center of Central Florida can also provide you with nutrition tips and lifestyle insights that ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Diabetic shoes
Diabetic shoes feature extra padding and specially designed shoe inserts to lower your risk of flaking, peeling, and/or cracked skin. Diabetic shoes also protect your feet from cuts and blisters and promote healthy circulation.
Annual diabetic foot screenings
If you have diabetes, it’s important to have a comprehensive diabetic foot screening at least once a year. During this exam, your doctor reviews your medical history, asks you questions about your symptoms, and offers tips and insights to keep your diabetes in check.
To request your diabetic foot care appointment at Ankle & Foot Center of Central Florida today, call the office or use the online booking tool.