When you have diabetes, a minor foot injury like a blister from tight shoes can quickly become a major emergency. The podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers offer expert diabetic foot care, helping you prevent problems and providing optimal treatment for wounds. At the first sign of a cut, blister, or other foot problem, schedule an appointment online or call one of the two locations in Arlington or Mansfield, Texas.
When blood sugar stays higher than normal, it damages nerves and small blood vessels. Nerve damage causes pain, as well as numbness
When blood sugar stays higher than normal, it damages nerves and small blood vessels. Nerve damage causes pain, as well as numbness which makes it hard for you to feel a cut or other problems with your feet. Damaged blood vessels limit circulation, which means that cuts and wounds can’t heal. As a result, even a small cut can turn into a serious wound like an ulcer.
it hard for you to feel a cut or other problems with your feet. Damaged blood vessels limit circulation, which means that cuts and wounds can’t heal. As a result, even a small cut can turn into a serious wound like an ulcer.
About 15% of all patients with diabetes develop a foot ulcer. An ulcer typically begins as a small cut or blister that goes unnoticed. As diabetic changes prevent the problem from healing, the skin around the wound rapidly deteriorates. Suddenly, your small blister becomes a large, open ulcer.
Diabetic foot ulcers are preventable when you follow a daily self-care routine, catch small problems early, and come in to see your doctor at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers for treatment. After an ulcer develops, it’s very hard to heal and you’re at risk for developing a serious infection that can damage bones and lead to an amputation.
The podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers offer two types of diabetic foot services:
The American Diabetes Association recommends that patients with diabetes schedule a foot exam at least once a year and more frequently if needed to prevent ulcers. When you come in for regular check-ups, your doctor monitors the health of your feet, answers your questions about daily self-care, provides guidance about footwear, or prescribes diabetic shoes to reduce friction and pressure on your feet.
It’s important to seek immediate medical care as soon as you notice a blister, cut, sore, callus, or any other problem with your feet. Your doctor at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers thoroughly evaluates your feet, including vascular and nerve testing.
Your customized care includes help with managing your blood sugar and other treatments such as:
Off-loading is accomplished with special footgear, a brace, casting, or even a wheelchair — anything that effectively takes the pressure off your wound and promotes healing.
To schedule routine foot care or treatment for a wound, call Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers or use the online booking feature.
