Diabetic Feet

About 15% of people with diabetes experience diabetes-related foot problems or diabetic feet. At Crossroads Podiatry in Newnan, Georgia, experienced podiatrist and wound care specialist Everett J. Mason III, DPM, offers comprehensive care for diabetic feet. Dr. Mason can make recommendations to reduce your risk of common problems, including fungal toenails, diabetic ulcers, and gangrene. Call the office to request treatment for diabetic feet today, or book an appointment online.

What are diabetic feet?

Diabetic feet is an umbrella term for foot-related health problems caused by diabetes. 

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. If your blood sugar levels remain too high or too low, you’re more likely to experience diabetic ulcers and infections. Partnering with a podiatrist, like Dr. Mason, can alert you to potential problems early on and help keep your diabetes in check. 

Who is at risk of having diabetic feet?

Anyone with diabetes can have diabetic feet, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Poor blood flow to the feet
• Trouble managing your blood sugar
• A body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher

Other health problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol, may also increase your risk.

What are the symptoms of diabetic feet?

Symptoms of diabetic feet include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Skin discoloration
• Hair loss on the lower extremities
• Diminished ability to feel sensations (like temperature changes)

You’re also more likely to develop slow-healing ulcers if you have diabetic feet. Contact Dr. Mason immediately if you notice any changes to your skin or toenail, such as blisters, calluses, or sores.

How are diabetic feet diagnosed?

Dr. Mason reviews your health charts and asks about your diabetes, including when you were first diagnosed, the type you have, and if you take any medication to manage it. Next, he examines your toes, feet, and lower legs, checking for skin discoloration, hair loss, or other signs of poor circulation.

If you have a diabetic ulcer, Dr. Mason collects a biopsy sample and sends it to a nearby lab for testing. Determining the underlying cause of infection helps guide treatment.

How are diabetic feet treated?

At Crossroads Podiatry, Dr. Mason takes a personalized approach when treating diabetic foot problems. He recommends healthy lifestyle changes and conservative measures whenever possible, including:

• Checking your feet daily for changes
• Taking your diabetes medication as prescribed
• Visiting the office at least once a year for a podiatry exam
• Maintaining good blood flow to your feet
• Wearing socks and shoes at all times
• Washing your feet every day

You should also avoid certain habits, like smoking and going barefoot. Both of these activities increase your risk of diabetes-related complications.

Call Crossroads Podiatry if you’re concerned about diabetic feet, or make an appointment online today.