Diabetic Feet

People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing foot problems, including nerve damage, ulcers, and other nonhealing wounds. At Cascade Foot & Ankle in Nephi and Provo, Utah, board-certified podiatric surgeon and wound care specialist Jared Clegg, DPM, FACFAS, and his team diagnose and treat an array of diabetic foot problems in patients 12 and older. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office today.

What are diabetic foot problems?

Diabetes affects blood sugar control, circulation, and the peripheral nervous system when not managed properly.

Diabetes foot problems develop in people with diabetes due to poor blood sugar control or diabetes-related complications. With routine foot care by a specialist, you can avoid potentially severe foot problems like hard-to-heal infections and amputation.

Which diabetes foot problems do you treat?

Diabetic foot problems that the Cascade Foot & Ankle team diagnoses and treats include:

Charcot foot

Charcot foot is damage that develops when you lose feeling in your feet or ankles, making it difficult to feel pain or notice injuries. It’s a complication of diabetes-related neuropathy.

Flatfoot

Anyone can develop flat feet, but the risk is higher among people with diabetes. Having flat feet, a condition called flatfoot, means that you have low or no arches. Your entire foot rests on the ground while standing.

Diabetic neuropathy 

Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage in your feet caused by uncontrolled blood sugar. It increases the risk of foot injuries, ulcers, and infections.

Foot wounds

People with diabetes have a higher risk of unnoticed abrasions, cuts, ulcers, and infections because of nerve damage and limited circulation that damages the body’s ability to heal.

Ingrown toenails

An ingrown toenail grows into the soft surrounding tissues, causing pain and sometimes an infection when not treated.

What increases the risk of diabetic foot problems?

Poorly controlled blood sugar in people with diabetes increases the risk of diabetic foot problems. Habits linked to decreased blood sugar control include eating unhealthy foods, carrying excess body weight, smoking, and a lack of exercise.

When should I see a specialist for diabetes foot problems?

See the Cascade Foot & Ankle team at the first sign of nerve damage (numbness, burning, and tingling), nonhealing sores, and other new or worsening symptoms. Daily home foot exams help you detect cuts, sores, blisters, and other problems before they cause complications. See your podiatrist at least once a year for routine diabetic foot exams.

Which treatments are available for diabetic foot problems?

Cascade Foot & Ankle offers the following treatments for diabetic foot concerns:

• Diabetic foot exams
• Custom-fitted orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
• Diabetic shoes
• Wound care
• Ingrown toenail treatment
• Offloading (taking pressure off specific points on your feet)
• Debridement (clearing dead and infected tissue from wounds)
• Antibiotics
• Amniotic wound grafts
• Compression garments
• Hydrogels
• Antimicrobial dressings
• Synthetic skin substitutes
• Combination treatments

It’s necessary to wear comfortable shoes, take diabetes medication as instructed, check your blood sugar often, exercise regularly, and eat nutritious foods. Protect your feet from injuries, and examine your feet daily for signs of problems.

Schedule a diabetic feet exam at Cascade Foot & Ankle by calling the office today.