Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic foot care is essential if you’re one of the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes. Routine checkups can keep your feet healthy and reduce the risk of problems like slow-healing wounds, gangrene (tissue death), and amputation. At Valley Stream Foot Doctor in Valley Stream, New York, experienced podiatrist Marc Schumann, DPM, provides diabetic foot care to people of all ages. Call Valley Stream Foot Doctor to schedule a diabetic foot care consultation, or book your appointment online today.

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care is a podiatry subspecialty that diagnoses, treats, and prevents diabetes-related foot problems.

If you have diabetes, it affects circulation to your lower extremities, including the legs, feet, and toes. Diabetes also increases the risk of nerve damage, so if you cut your foot or stub your toe, you may not realize it. If that happens, the wound can become infected, increasing your risk of complications.

Diabetic foot care aims to prevent problems through healthy lifestyle changes, daily foot inspections, and routine podiatry checkups.

Can I benefit from diabetic foot care?

All people with diabetes can benefit from diabetic foot care. That’s especially true if you have symptoms like:

• Skin discoloration
• Changes to your skin or toenails (e.g., blisters, calluses, or sores)
• Pain 
• Swelling

If you have a slow-healing ulcer (diabetic wound) on your lower legs or feet, contact Valley Stream Foot Doctor immediately. Treatment can reduce the risk of infection and speed up healing.

What can I expect at a diabetic foot care appointment?

Dr. Schumann tailors diabetic foot care to each person’s needs, but most appointments take the same approach.

First, Dr. Schumann reviews your medical records and asks about your diabetes, including which type you have and if you’re experiencing any foot-related symptoms. 

Next, he examines your lower legs, feet, and toes, checking for signs of infection, such as skin discoloration, open wounds, or discharge. Dr. Schumann also touches your toes and feet with various tools to see if you feel numbness or tingling. He may also trim your toenails or provide care for an ingrown toenail.

If you have a diabetic ulcer, Dr. Schumann takes a biopsy (skin sample) to determine if it's infected and orders diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an ultrasound, to see if it extends beneath your skin.

What does diabetic foot care involve?

At Valley Stream Foot Doctor, Dr. Schumann takes an integrative and minimally invasive approach to diabetic foot care. He may suggest:

• Diabetic wound care (e.g., cleaning the wound, removing dead tissue, etc.)
• Draining fluid or pus if you have a diabetic ulcer
• Applying bandages and medicated ointments to encourage healing
• Prescription or intravenous (IV) antibiotics if there’s an infection
• Using a wheelchair or crutches to take weight off your affected foot
• Using custom orthotics or wearing diabetic shoes

Dr. Schumann also recommends healthy lifestyle changes. If you have diabetes, simple practices like keeping your nails trimmed and inspecting your feet daily can reduce the risk of foot problems. 

Call Valley Stream Foot Doctor to schedule a diabetic foot care appointment, or book your visit online today.