Diabetic Foot Care in Louisville, KY
Compassionate Podiatric Services in Louisville, KY
What is a Diabetic Foot Care?
At New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates in Louisville, Kentucky, we prioritize comprehensive diabetic foot care to help manage diabetes and prevent serious complications. A diabetic foot exam is a painless and comfortable procedure, typically lasting 20–30 minutes. Regular exams are crucial for maintaining foot health and preventing complications such as wounds, ulcers and amputations, with the recommended frequency depending on the type of diabetes you have.
What to Expect During Your Diabetic Foot Examination
During your diabetic foot exam, your podiatrist will thoroughly evaluate several key areas:
Skin
The examination includes checking for dryness, cracking, calluses, blisters, ulcers, and any other damage that might indicate issues requiring attention immediately, as well as issues that may present down the road.
Toenails
Your provider will look for cracks and signs of fungal infection, which can be common in diabetic patients, as well as any indication of systemic issues such as endocarditis, melanoma, carcinoma, malnutrition, and deficiencies – all of which typically present in your toenails first
Temperature
Ensuring that both feet are the same temperature helps detect circulation issues or infections.
Sensation
The exam will assess for numbness or changes in sensation, a condition known as neuropathy, which is common in diabetic patients.
Deformities
Your podiatrist will check for structural issues such as bunions and hammer toes that may require intervention.
Circulation
Assessing circulation helps identify any issues with blood flow that could affect foot health.
Shoes
The fit and condition of your shoes will be evaluated to ensure they are not causing or exacerbating foot problems.
Additionally, your provider will ask about any issues you’ve noticed with your feet to tailor the care and recommendations to your specific needs.
At New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates, we are committed to providing thorough and compassionate diabetic foot care. Regular foot exams are an essential part of managing diabetes and maintaining overall foot health. Trust our experienced podiatrists to help you navigate your foot care needs with personalized attention and expertise.
From Our Podiatrist
People with type 1 diabetes should begin exams five years after diagnosis, while those with type 2 diabetes should start at the time of diagnosis. Consistency with diabetic foot care is pivotal in the management of diabetics due to issues with delayed healing, increased chance of ulcers and wounds, loss of protective sensation (neuropathy) in the feet, and prevention of amputation. Simple things like a bad pedicure can result in serious complications for diabetic patients.
During your appointment, feel free to bring a list of activities that may be of concern and see if they are safe for you to continue as a diabetic, as well as some tips to prevent issues.
Dr. C. Patel, Physician Associate, Surgical Associate
American Podiatric Medical Association, American Diabetes Association
Learn More About Diabetic Foot Care
New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates offers diabetic foot care for a wide range of foot and ankle issues.
