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How Can A Podiatrist Help With Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects blood sugar levels. It can cause foot problems as well as other complications, so it's important to understand how your podiatrist can help you manage your diabetes. To learn more about the role of podiatry in diabetes management, read on!
What kind of foot problems can people with diabetes have?
A common complication of diabetes is a condition called peripheral neuropathy, also known as nerve damage. This usually occurs when there is poor blood flow to the feet and is dangerous because it leads to numbness, meaning someone may not be able to feel when something is wrong, which can lead to serious injuries or infections.
People with diabetes can also have poor circulation, usually a result of high blood glucose levels or other health issues related to diabetes (such as heart disease). This makes it difficult for the body's tissue and organs, including the muscles, bones, nerves and skin tissue (epidermis) to function properly. In turn, this puts them at higher risk for infections and ulcers on their feet or toes.
Those who have had poor circulation for years may be especially likely to develop these kinds of wounds because there hasn't been enough blood flow through the area for them to heal properly before now.
How can a podiatrist help people with diabetes?
Your podiatrist is a doctor who specialises in the treatment and prevention of foot problems. Your podiatrist may help you by:
- Treating your existing foot problems
- Preventing new foot problems from developing
- Educating you about proper footwear, exercise, and diet to avoid future problems
What happens during a diabetic foot assessment?
A diabetic foot assessment is a thorough examination of your feet and will look for any signs of problems. A podiatrist will check for:
- Sores or blisters that may have developed as a result of nerve damage
- Redness or swelling around the toes, which can indicate an infection
- Ulcers on the bottoms of your feet, which are often accompanied by pain and burning sensations
- Nail problems such as ingrown nails or fungal infections
For further information about how a podiatrist can help you, don’t hesitate to contact us today for all of your podiatry needs.
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