DIABETIC FOOT CARE
IN WASHINGTON D.C. - FOXHALL PODIATRY ASSOCIATES
Living With Diabetes?
It is important to get foot examinations in order to maintain healthy feet and healthier future.
Diabetics are prone to poor circulation, have a weakened immune system and impaired nerve function in their feet. Due to poor circulation or lack of sensation after poor circulation, diabetic feet are more susceptible to developing sores, and non-healing wounds which may lead to ulcers. These wounds can also develop into serious infections which can lead to amputations, loss of limbs and even loss of life.
Diabetes & Neuropathy
With diabetes, you also have a good chance of developing peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms of this nerve disorder can be pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensation in your feet. Our Podiatry team recommends that you come in for a complete diabetic foot evaluation. Our Podiatrists will use advanced technology to test and assess the circulation to your feet, and determine if you have neuropathy. Once the evaluation is complete, we will design a unique treatment plan for you.
Properly managing your diabetes and protecting your feet can help avoid complications caused by infections. When infections go untreated and aren’t treated properly, you risk losing your foot altogether. When infections like gangrene begin to kill dead tissues, the only treatment available is surgery to remove the affected appendage.
Diabetes is a serious condition that—if improperly managed—can become potentially life-threatening. Contact Foxhall Podiatry Associates for more details.
If you are concerned about diabetes foot management for yourself or a loved one, schedule a consultation with our Washington, DC podiatry office today.
Neuropathy Pain Management
Find foot pain relief! Foxhall Podiatry Associates will provide you with a personalized treatment plan for your neuropathy/nerve pain.
Do your feet feel numb, do they tingle, are they burning? Are you experiencing shooting pains, a loss of balance or the feeling that your sock is rolled up under your toes? If so, you may have neuropathy.
At Foxhall Podiatry Associates, we can perform a simple skin biopsy in which we will determine the concentration of small nerve fibers in your lower extremity. This allows us to diagnose and effectively treat your condition.
Treatment for peripheral neuropathy includes nutritional supplements, prescription medications, injection therapy and in some cases surgical procedures to release swollen and compressed nerves.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms or have been diagnosed with diabetes, please schedule an appointment with our expert Podiatrists as soon as possible.
The 10 Commandments of Diabetic Foot Management
…to Help Avoid Infections and Amputations
Thou shall not go barefoot. This goes for inside and outside of the home. You could step on something and not know it if you have numbness.
Thou shall not ignore any sore on your foot. Even a small sore can lead to a major infection.
Thou shall not use medicated products on your feet. Never ever use a medicated corn or callus pad.
Thou shall not use creams or lotions between the toes. This can lead to excessive moisture ultimately causing an infection.
Thou shall see a podiatrist at least once a year for a thorough evaluation. Thou shall not ignore a new foot pain that lasts more than a week.
Thou shall not soak your feet unless advised by a doctor. Excessive water will make your skin dryer. Really.
Thou shall use a moisturizing cream or lotion on the bottom of your feet regularly to avoid cracks in the skin. Dry skin is an unfortunate reality of having diabetes.
Thou shall inspect your feet daily especially if you have numbness. Please use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet.
Thou shall wear diabetic shoes and insoles if prescribed by your podiatrist. Wearing the right shoes and insoles can go a long way toward avoiding major diabetic foot complications.
Thou shall not try to self-treat an ingrown toenail. Infections and amputations have been the result in very unfortunate circumstances.