Diabetic Foot

If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s crucial to schedule diabetic foot care at least once a year. Routine checkups can keep your blood sugar levels in check and reduce the risk of foot and ankle problems. At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Edward Buro, DPM, Christine Peterson, DPM, and Rosario Saccomanno, DPM, specialize in diabetic foot care. They can help your feet and toes stay healthy for years to come. Call the office to request a diabetic foot care consultation today, or book online. 

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care diagnoses, treats, and prevents diabetes-related foot and ankle problems. 

Diabetes refers to several chronic diseases that affect your body’s ability to regulate blood glucose (blood sugar). Over time, that may lead to permanent nerve damage and/or poor circulation to your legs and feet. When combined, these factors increase the risk of open wounds (ulcers) and infection.

If you have diabetes, visiting a qualified podiatrist (like those at Mayfair Foot Care) can enhance your mobility, independence, and quality of life.

Who should consider diabetic foot care?

Request diabetic foot care at Mayfair Foot Care if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Discolored skin on your legs or feet
• Diminished ability to sense hot or cold
• Loss of hair on your legs or feet
• Changes to your toenails
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling

You should also seek diabetic foot care if you have an open wound on your ankle, foot, or toe. 

What happens during a diabetic foot care consultation?

Your Mayfair Foot Care provider reviews your health charts and asks about your diabetes, including when you were diagnosed, the type you have, and how well you manage your blood sugar. 

Next, your provider completes a physical exam. They look at your feet, ankles, and toes, checking for blisters, open wounds, corns, and calluses. They also touch your toes and the bottoms of your feet with special tools, checking to see if you have tingling or numbness.

If you have an open wound (diabetic ulcer), your provider might collect a biopsy sample and send it to a lab for testing. Testing can determine if there’s an infection and help guide treatment. 

How can I reduce my risk of diabetes-related foot problems?

If you’re living with diabetes, there are various things you can do to reduce the risk of foot and ankle-related complications. Mayfair Foot Care recommends:

• Checking your feet daily for changes
• Visiting the podiatrist at least once a year for a checkup
• Maintaining good blood flow to your feet
• Smoothing out corns and calluses
• Keeping your toenails trimmed and filed
• Wearing socks and shoes (to prevent injuries)
• Washing your feet daily

You might also benefit from healthy lifestyle changes. For example, if you smoke or use chewing tobacco, quitting can improve circulation throughout your body.

Call Mayfair Foot Care to learn more about the benefits of diabetic foot care today, or book online.