Items filtered by date: October 2024

Diabetes can significantly impact foot health, primarily through a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in the feet, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain. In severe cases, diabetic patients might experience a loss of sensation, making it difficult to detect injuries or infections. Additionally, poor circulation can slow down healing, which increases the risk of ulcers and infections. Proper management of blood sugar levels is key to preventing these complications. Regular foot inspections, wearing proper footwear, and daily foot care can help mitigate the effects. Treatment often involves managing diabetes effectively, controlling pain with medications, and in some cases, foot exercises. To ensure optimal foot health and address any concerns, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for specialized care and preventive strategies tailored to your needs.
 

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers require careful management to promote healing and prevent complications. Proper wound care involves keeping the ulcer clean and protected with appropriate dressings. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is vital, as stable glucose levels support the body's natural healing processes. Also, maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can aid in wound repair. It is also important to relieve pressure on the affected foot by using specialized footwear or offloading devices. Daily foot inspections help catch any changes or infections early. A podiatrist can provide personalized treatment plans, including possible antibiotics or wound care therapies. If you have diabetes, it is suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage its effects on your feet.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Leonora Fihman, DPM from California. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Encino and Brentwood, Los Angeles, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.