Living with diabetes requires constant vigilance, especially when it comes to caring for your feet. Even a small cut or blister can potentially develop into something more serious, threatening your mobility and overall well-being.
Fortunately, you don’t have to let diabetes get the best of you—or your feet.
At Clover Podiatry, we understand your concerns and are dedicated to helping patients protect their feet from dangerous complications. Our Vancouver wound care specialists, led by Dr. Tek Fish and Dr. Jeffery Linscheid, have extensive experience assisting diabetic patients in maintaining podiatric health and preventing ulcers that could lead to serious infections or amputation. The best diabetes foot care plan is one you can easily follow, so we’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive plan that fits your unique needs and lifestyle.
Understanding Why Diabetics Are at Risk for Foot Ulcers
Living with diabetes means dealing with your reduced ability to recover from injury—and this is especially true when it comes to your feet. Poorly controlled diabetes with frequently high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels. Over time, these issues can cause problems with both blood circulation and physical sensation.
Imagine this scenario: You get a blister or small cut on your foot but don’t immediately notice the injury due to nerve damage. Reduced blood flow to the injured area leads to longer recovery time in the best case or to dangerous complications in more severe cases.
Our team of Vancouver podiatrists helps southern Washington patients understand how diabetes can affect the lower extremities. We’ll thoroughly assess your feet to identify and address potential concerns before they escalate into a health emergency. This proactive approach helps prevent complications before they start.
Essential Daily Foot Care Practices for Diabetic Patients
When you have diabetes, maintaining healthy feet requires following a consistent daily routine. Our Vancouver foot and ankle specialists recommend:
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Thorough inspections. Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail changes, such as discoloration. Use a mirror—or ask a family member for help—to ensure you visually inspect every part of your feet daily.
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Gentle cleansing. Wash your feet each day in warm water and mild soap, but don’t soak them. Use a soft, clean towel to dry your feet, taking extra care to thoroughly dry between your toes to reduce the risk of an infection.
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Proper moisturizing. Moisturizing your feet is more than just self-care for diabetic patients—it’s a crucial tool to prevent excessively dry skin from cracking. Apply a quality moisturizer to your feet daily, but avoid putting lotion between your toes.
The Importance of Professional Diabetic Foot Care
A podiatrist can be a valuable addition to your diabetes management team. Regular visits with a board-certified Vancouver podiatrist are often vital in helping patients prevent diabetic foot ulcers and maintain their mobility. During these appointments, we can:
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Perform a comprehensive foot examination to look for early indications of potential complications
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Test your sensation and circulation to monitor nerve health
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Remove dead skin, corns, and calluses
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Provide professional nail care to prevent or address ingrown toenails
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Assess your shoes for proper fit and support
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Offer helpful tips for selecting diabetic-friendly footwear
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Recommend custom orthotics to relieve painful pressure points that can lead to diabetic foot ulcers
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Discuss advanced treatment options, like shockwave therapy or UltraMIST
Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention
When it comes to diabetic foot wounds, the old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” rings true. The best time to catch a dangerous foot wound is before it starts. However, we understand that isn’t always possible. Being proactive about your podiatric health means knowing when to seek immediate care. Contact our Vancouver foot doctors as soon as possible if you notice:
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A cut or sore that is not healing
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Discoloration of your skin
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Redness and warmth around the ulcer that differs from the rest of the foot
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Swelling in your foot or ankle
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Ongoing pain in your feet or legs
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New corns or calluses
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Drainage or odor from a foot wound
Special Care for Special Feet
Diabetic feet require special treatment—give your feet the exceptional care they deserve at Clover Podiatry in Vancouver. Our podiatrists can help you protect your feet from diabetic ulcers and other complications, providing compassionate care and practical solutions to help you maintain healthy feet for life.