Diabetes can increase the risk of developing foot problems because high blood sugar levels may affect nerves, circulation, and the body’s ability to heal. Diabetic foot problems can include numbness, infections, and ulcers that may become serious without proper care. Nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, can reduce sensation in the feet, making it harder to notice small cuts or injuries. Reduced circulation can also slow healing and increase the chance of complications. Maintaining proper foot care is an important part of managing diabetes and protecting long term foot health.

Symptoms of diabetic foot problems may include tingling, burning sensations, and changes in the appearance of the feet. Some individuals may notice sores, cuts, or areas of irritation that do not heal normally. Because nerve damage can reduce feeling, a person may not feel pain from an injury until it becomes more advanced. Regular foot checks are important for identifying concerns early and preventing minor problems from becoming more severe.

Proper diabetic foot care begins with simple daily habits. Washing the feet every day with mild soap and warm water helps remove bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Toenails should be trimmed carefully to prevent sharp edges or ingrown toenails. Checking the feet daily for sores, cuts, or changes in skin color can help identify problems before they worsen. Wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support can also reduce pressure and protect the feet from injury.

Several risk factors can increase the chance of diabetic foot complications, including poor blood sugar control, long term diabetes, and smoking. Poor circulation and a history of foot ulcers may also be other risk factors. Wearing shoes that are too tight or walking barefoot can increase the risk of injury. If you have diabetes and have developed foot problems, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition through routine visits.

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 Glen Beede, DPM from Trinity Foot & Ankle. 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 office located in Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

When a toenail grows into the surrounding skin and causes ongoing pain, foot surgery can provide lasting relief. This problem usually affects the big toe and can make even short walks uncomfortable. As the ingrown toenail presses deeper into the skin, the area becomes red, tender, and difficult to touch. Drainage or repeated infections may return after temporary improvement. When the condition continues or keeps coming back, a podiatrist can examine the toe, explain the cause, and determine whether surgery is the best treatment. Surgery removes the part of the nail causing the problem, and in some cases, the entire nail is removed. A podiatrist also decides whether to treat the area where the toenail grows to help prevent the ingrown toenail from coming back. 

Before recommending surgery, the podiatrist reviews your health history and examines the toe carefully. This helps in choosing the treatment that offers the best chance for healing, while also reducing the risk of future problems. Ingrown toenail surgery is usually performed with a local anesthetic, which numbs the toe while the patient remains awake. The procedure generally takes only a few minutes, and most patients return home the same day. Depending on the condition of the toe, the podiatrist removes part of the nail or the entire nail. Medication can be used to prevent the troublesome section of the nail from growing back. 

Recovery includes protecting the treated toe and following the podiatrist's instructions carefully. Mild discomfort, swelling, and tenderness are expected while the area heals. Like any procedure, surgery includes possible risks. These include bleeding, infection, and scarring. In some cases, the ingrown toenail returns and another procedure becomes necessary. Most patients experience significant relief once healing is complete and can return to normal daily activities after their podiatrist says it is safe. If you have an extremely painful ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to see if surgery is the right choice for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Glen Beede, DPM of Trinity Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Fort Worth, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.