Diabetic Foot Care Austin TX

What kinds of foot-related problems can diabetes cause?

Diabetes causes elevated levels of blood sugar (glucose), which in turn can cause damage to your nerves and blood vessels, especially the nerves and blood vessels in your feet and ankles. Decreased circulation in the feet contributes to skin-related changes that make damage to the skin more likely. In fact, many people with diabetes may suffer from:

• Blisters
• Calluses
• Tiny cuts
• Toenail fungal infections

And because circulation is diminished, it can take a lot longer for cuts and scrapes to heal, which means you’re more likely to develop an infection. At the same time, a decrease in sensation caused by nerve damage means you may have a cut or scrape and not even feel it, allowing the infection to spread before you even realize that you need care. These issues increase your risk for developing very serious sores called diabetic foot ulcers, a leading cause of foot and lower-leg amputation in the U.S.

What is diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy refers to the nerve-related changes in your extremities (your hands and, most commonly, your feet) that are caused by diabetes. Patients with diabetic neuropathy may have a lack or complete loss of sensation in specific areas of their toes or feet, or they may experience:

• Numbness
• Prickliness
• Pins-and-needles sensations

These problems can make it more difficult for diabetic patients to feel cuts or ingrown toenails, which means care is delayed and infections are more likely. Severe neuropathy can even interfere with your ability to:

• Walk
• Feel your feet when you’re moving or standing

What kinds of podiatry services does Dr. LaMour offer for people with diabetes?

Dr. LaMour provides comprehensive diabetic foot care for men and women who have diabetes, including:

• Evaluations of your feet and ankles to look for possible problems
• Treatment options that can be customized for your specific needs

Many patients with diabetes can benefit from custom orthotics, which may:

• Prevent blisters
• Correct hammertoes or bunions
• Correct other issues that might make you more prone to injuries and infections

Plus, Dr. LaMour can provide you with the information you need to take better care of your feet at home between office visits so that you can play a proactive role in preventing serious foot-related problems. Having regularly scheduled diabetic foot care is vitally important for preventing serious infections and other problems that can take a toll on your:

• Mobility
• Overall health and wellness