More than 37 million Americans have diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar. If you’re living with diabetes, it’s vital to invest in diabetic foot care. Routine checkups can alert you to potential problems and reduce the risk of diabetic ulcers and infection. At Greater San Antonio Podiatry, experienced podiatrist Rolando Santellana, DPM, provides diabetic foot care to people of all ages. To make an appointment, call the office in Live Oak, Texas, or book online today.
Diabetic foot care is a podiatry subspecialty that diagnoses, treats, and prevents diabetes-related foot problems. If you have diabetes, you’re also more likely to experience issues like peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy (permanent nerve damage).
If the nerves in your legs and feet don’t work, you can cut yourself or step down on a sharp object and not realize it. Over time, that wound might become infected, increasing your risk of gangrene or amputation. Routine diabetic foot care at Greater San Antonio Podiatry can help keep your blood sugar in balance.
Anyone living with diabetes, regardless of type, should enroll in diabetic foot care. Research suggests that about 15% of people with diabetes develop foot-related health problems. Regular visits with Dr. Santellana can keep your feet healthy and problem-free for years to come.
Contact Greater San Antonio Podiatry for diabetic foot care if you experience symptoms like:
You should also make an appointment if you experience any changes to your toes and surrounding skin, like blisters, calluses, cuts, or an ingrown nail.
At Greater San Antonio Podiatry, a diabetic foot care visit begins with a review of your medical records and a discussion of your symptoms and lifestyle. Next, Dr. Santellana examines your feet, toes, and legs. He also runs a series of tests to see if you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness.
If you have an open wound, like a diabetic ulcer, Dr. Santellana assesses it for signs of infection. He also orders X-rays to determine how deep it goes and if it extends to the bone or other surrounding tissues.
After gathering all necessary information, Dr. Santellana develops a custom diabetes care plan.
If you have diabetes, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of foot-related health problems. Dr. Santellana recommends:
It’s also essential to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
To explore the benefits of diabetic foot care, make an appointment at Greater San Antonio Podiatry by calling the office or booking online today.