Diabetic Foot Care Specialist

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care refers to treatments and services for diabetes-related foot issues. In some cases, proper diabetic foot care could mean the difference between an amputation or permanent deformity and keeping your walking abilities.

Because of how it affects how your body processes blood sugar, or glucose, unmanaged diabetes can put your feet at risk. Too much glucose in your blood can lead to health complications throughout your entire body, and the structures within your feet are at high risk.

Dr. Raestas sees you regularly to evaluate your feet and make sure that diabetes isn’t compromising their health or function. He also treats common complications stemming from diabetes that involve your feet. 

How does diabetes affect the foot?

If you have diabetes, you may be at risk of developing a secondary condition or complication that affects your feet and, eventually, your walking ability. Dr. Raestas specializes in preventing and treating these complications:

Chronic wounds

A chronic wound on your foot, called a diabetic foot ulcer, can develop on the bottom of your foot because of poor circulation, numbness due to nerve damage, and other diabetes-related factors. 

Charcot arthropathy

Charcot arthropathy is a deformity that occurs when the bones in your foot fracture and collapse. If this happens, you likely won’t even feel it because of nerve damage or neuropathy from your diabetes. 

What does diabetic foot care involve?

One of the most important steps you can take to prevent diabetic foot complications and eventual amputation is to visit VP Foot & Ankle Specialist for regular, routine examinations. Dr. Raestas can teach you to check your own feet for possible complications at home too. 

Of course,  if you have diabetes, you should book an appointment right away if you notice swelling, redness, or a visible ulcer affecting your foot. Your treatment for diabetic foot complications might include:

Local wound care

If you develop a diabetic foot ulcer, Dr. Raestas offers in-office wound care to encourage its healing. This may include a combination of advanced biologics or medications as well as hyperbaric oxygen therapy. 

Conservative therapies for deformities

Foot deformities from diabetes, like Charcot arthropathy, are treatable with several conservative strategies. Dr. Raestas might give you a cast, walking brace, or splint to help the injury heal without surgery.

In certain instances, advanced surgical intervention is a necessary part of diabetic foot care. 

Whether you’ve had diabetes for a long or short time, it’s important not to neglect the health of your feet. Book an appointment for diabetic foot care at VP Foot & Ankle Specialist by calling the nearest office or using the online booking tool.