5 Ways the Podiatrist Helps Manage Your Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you’re probably aware of the serious complications that can occur and harm your feet. In honor of American Diabetes Month, we at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care want to let patients know all the ways we can help you manage the disease and prevent potential foot problems.

1. Monitor and manage podiatric concerns. Regular checkups with our podiatrists, Varun Gujral and Dr. Nrupa Shah, will help ensure that developing lower extremity issues will be detected in their earliest and most easily treated stages. If you have an ongoing foot problem such as a bunion, the foot doctor will also carefully monitor its progression and determine the appropriate adjustments in your treatment plan.
2. Educate you, the patient. There are many ways that you can help reduce the risk of diabetic complications that affect your feet. The podiatrist can show you how to conduct a self-examination of your feet and what to look for. The foot doctor can also offer information on ways to prevent fungal infections, injuries, etc.
3. Handle basic podiatric care. For patients with diabetes, common foot care tasks can lead to injury or infection. We can trim your toenails, remove corns and calluses, and take care of ingrown toenails.
4. Advise on footwear. Shoe choice is important for all of our patients, but for those with diabetes, the risk of harm from wearing poorly designed or ill-fitting shoes is elevated. We can fit you for special diabetic shoes, or custom orthotics that will lower the chances of pressure and friction from your shoes, which can result in blisters, bruising or toe problems.
5. Provide wound care. If you do develop an ulcer or wound, proper care and treatment is essential. We can debride wounds and prescribe the best treatment to help the wound heal and prevent infection from developing.

At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care we are committed to protecting the podiatric health of diabetic patients and lowering the risk of amputation. To make an appointment at our Edison (732-204-6630), Monroe (732-204-6802) or Monmouth Junction (732-204-6945) office, contact us today.