Diabetic Foot: Avoiding Complications

diabetic foot dallasDiabetes is a complex and life-altering disease. It affects everything: your eating habits, your immune system responses, and your chances of developing a life-threating condition. The health of your feet is actually a good indicator for the disease’s progression and control in your life. Healthy, well-cared for feet are typically a sign of controlled blood sugar levels. Feet with increasing pain or numbness can be indicative of greater problems. If you are diabetic and experience pain or numbness in your lower legs or feet, you could have diabetic neuropathy, a kind of nerve deterioration. Beyond being uncomfortable, this can lead to a number of serious complications that, if left untreated, can cause injuries and long-lasting conditions with possible consequences like amputation.

What Is Diabetes?

The fluctuating blood sugar levels in diabetes wreak havoc on your body’s structures, including your nerves. Your feet are usually the first to show signs of neuropathy. Common symptoms include sharp pain in the feet and ankles (especially when at rest), sensitivity, muscle weakness, numb spots, difficulty feeling temperature, and difficulty walking. Since your feet lose sensation, you may not notice when they incur an injury, develop blisters or wounds or something more serious. If you continue to walk on that injured foot, what started as a simple sore can become a slow-healing ulcer with high risk for infection or a chronic foot condition.

What Can I Do About It?

diabetes bookPreventing amputation begins with basic foot care. You should have your feet thoroughly examined every year, even if you do not have any symptoms of nerve damage, to check for diabetic foot changes. One of our doctors will look over your feet to check for changes you may not have noticed on your own. They will also test your level of nerve function to catch any early damage. The physicians will teach you how to care for your feet at home, as well as work closely with your primary care doctor to help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

If you have pain and numbness from nerve damage, you should always wear supportive shoes that also cushion high-pressure areas of your foot. You may need custom orthotics to provide you with the padding and stabilization you require. You will also need to keep your feet clean and dry, so wash them every day. Since diabetics are prone to developing injuries without noticing the change, examine your feet as you wash and dry them. If you notice visible changes, unusual lumps or bumps, cracked skin, or other damage, don’t ignore it. Seek treatment right away so that the experts at Dallas Podiatry Works can help you recover before it becomes a serious problem.

The complications of diabetes do not have to take control of your feet. With a little investment and care, you can keep your toes happy, healthy, and ulcer or injury-free. If you or someone you care about have diabetes and have noticed some changes in their feet, especially if they are visible, contact Dallas Podiatry Works immediately for evaluation and treatment. You don’t want to risk the consequences of letting it go. You can reach either of our two office locations by visiting the online contact page or by calling 972.853.7100 for the Dallas location, and (972) 943-3323 for the Plano office.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.

Elizabeth G.

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Dallas Office: 12221 Merit Drive, Suite 280, Dallas, TX 75251

Plano Office: 5068 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 155, Plano, TX 75093

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