A Podiatrist Should Be a Part of Your Diabetic Care
Did you know that an estimated 37.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes? According to the Centers for Disease Control, 23% of adults are undiagnosed, and another 38% of adults in the U.S. have prediabetes. With such a high prevalence, it is important that people get the treatment that they need to prevent serious health issues. In addition to managing the abnormally high blood glucose levels, an important aspect of diabetic care is preventing common diabetic foot and ankle issues.
What kind of conditions do diabetics experience?
Neuropathy - About half of diabetics can develop peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage in the hands and feet. Symptoms include numbness, shooting pain, burning, tingling, and muscle weakness. One of the most significant consequences of this condition is the loss of the ability to feel when injuries occur.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) - People with diabetes also suffer from peripheral arterial disease, a condition where arteries that lead to the extremities constrict and impede blood flow. When an injury develops in the feet, slow blood flow can further delay healing, and increase the risk of infections and amputation.
Ulcers - When diabetics with neuropathy get a cut, burn, blister or other injury on their feet, they may not feel it. This can lead to an open wound called an ulcer. Since diabetes can impact the ability to fight off infections, ulcers can be slow to heal and often become infected. Infections that fail to heal can lead to more serious consequences like amputations.
A podiatrist should be on your team
Many of the above conditions are slow to improve and can worsen quickly, so it is imperative that you see an experienced and trustworthy podiatrist for regular visits. Prevention is key, and podiatrists can show you how to perform self checks and offer other helpful advice to prevent ulcers and amputations. Scheduling regular visits with a foot doctor can not only prevent conditions from worsening, but can also keep all aspects of your foot health in check.
At Prime Foot and Ankle Specialists, we know what it takes to care for your diabetic feet. From creating custom orthotics, recommending prescription shoes, enhancing your foot comfort and support, to providing careful care for any wounds that develop, our team of podiatrists is prepared and committed to taking care of your feet! Contact any of our locations in Woodbury Heights, Florence, Voorhees, and Pine Hill, NJ to schedule an appointment!