Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic Foot Care services offered in The Loop, Chicago, IL

If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, your risk of developing foot ulcers could be as high as 25%. Foot ulcers lead to amputation in as many as 20% of cases. At Chicago Foot Specialists, in the Chicago Loop neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, experienced podiatrists Nehal Sheth, DPM, Mark Pinkowski, DPM, and Christine Heck, DPM, and the team can help with wound care, diabetic ulcer treatment, diabetic shoes, and everything else you need to remain healthy and mobile. Call the practice or book an appointment online today.

Diabetic Foot Care Q&A

What is diabetic foot care?

Diabetic foot care covers the variety of exams and treatments available for common foot conditions associated with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Typically, this begins with a diabetic foot exam, a general foot exam where your provider looks for signs of infection, tissue damage, abnormalities, and injury. Most diabetes-related foot problems happen because of neuropathy, nerve damage, and/or poor leg and foot circulation.

During your diabetic foot exam, your podiatrist can recognize the signs of diabetic foot complications in their early stages, even before they start causing symptoms. This means you can manage the problems before they get so serious that you're at risk for major ulceration and/or amputation.

When should I have diabetic feet exams?

If you suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, Chicago Foot Specialists recommends diabetic feet exams at least once a year. Depending on your current health and foot issues, you may need exams every six months or more often than that.

What does my diabetic foot care include?

Diabetic foot care depends on the ailment you are addressing. Your provider at Chicago Foot Specialists typically checks all of the following things during a diabetic foot exam.

Skin exam

The skin exam checks for problems like dryness, cracked skin, calluses, blisters, and wounds.

Toenail exam

The toenail exam looks for nail damage, cracks, and other irregularities.

Sensitivity test

The sensitivity test checks your response to stimulation. It can include vibration, lightly poking your foot skin with a pin, and other tests.

Reflex test

The reflex test checks your ankle response, typically with a tiny mallet.

Musculoskeletal tests

Musculoskeletal tests focus on abnormalities in your foot structure, so your podiatrist gently feels the bones and other foot structures to assess this.

Vascular tests

If you have indicators of slow circulation, you may need vascular tests like ultrasound imaging to check the blood flow to your foot.

Depending on your specific symptoms and state of health, you may need additional evaluation and/or testing during your diabetic foot exam.

What treatments does diabetic foot care encourage?

Treatments for diabetic foot problems depend on the specific issue, so they can vary widely. Chicago Foot Specialists offers advanced diabetic wound care to help you heal quickly. You may also need prescription diabetic shoes, which help by relieving pressure from ulcers or other areas where your skin is particularly delicate.

If you have an infection, your podiatrist can prescribe antibiotics as needed, and you may also need topical treatments to heal efficiently. Of course, tight management of your underlying disease, diabetes, is crucial when you have diabetic foot problems. This means working closely with your medical doctor to control your blood sugar and whole-body health.

Book your appointment using the online scheduler, or call the practice today.

Diabetic Foot Care