Around 1.5 million men and women are diagnosed with diabetes in the United States every year, according to the American Diabetes Association. At DuPage Foot & Ankle, LLC in Wheaton, Hinsdale, and Oak Brook, Illinois, experienced podiatrist Dr. Donald Nichols specializes in diabetic foot care and knows that diabetes increases the risk of foot complications. Quality podiatric care is an integral part of your overall health care for diabetes. For your in-depth diabetic foot care consultation, click or use online scheduling to book your appointment with Dr. Nichols today.
Diabetes can harden and narrow blood vessels and lead to circulation problems, infections, and other complications. Diabetes also increases the risk of nerve damage.
Many of the complications associated with diabetes directly affect your foot. Diabetes can lead to small wounds or blisters, a lack of feeling and sensation, and in more severe cases, an infection and the need for amputation.
Diabetes can be life-threatening if not properly treated. Foot complications usually arise from nerve damage and cause tingling, weakness, and pain.
Visiting a trained podiatrist who specializes in diabetic foot care such as Dr. Nichols can help to prevent diabetic foot complications and keep your feet healthy and functioning properly. It’s also helpful to consume a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
At home, pay attention to your feet and inspect them every day by:
It’s important to inspect for athlete’s foot (a contagious fungal infection), bunions, hammertoes, and plantar warts, which are small bumps on the soles of your feet.
To take care of your feet, you should:
Athletic and walking shoes are a good choice for footwear that fits properly and comfortably. Make sure your socks are clean, padded, and dry, and avoid shoes that are made of plastic or vinyl or that have pointed toes and high heels.
To test the feeling and circulation in your feet, Dr. Nichols performs a physical examination. He can also send you for on-site X-ray imaging if needed.
Dr. Nichols can prescribe the appropriate antibiotics for an infection and offers effective treatment methods like Dr. Comfort® diabetic shoes. Dr. Nichols can provide glucose monitoring, trim nails, smooth corns or calluses, and recommend diabetic socks, a special cast, shoe, compression stockings, a brace to protect your feet, and more.
If necessary, Dr. Nichols can surgically remove dead, damaged, or infected tissue.
For quality diabetic foot care, call the nearest DuPage Foot & Ankle office or book your appointment online today.
