Your feet play a crucial role in your health when you have diabetes. Although you may have been able to ignore small scratches or burst 
blisters in the past, overlooking these seemingly minor foot issues can lead to serious infections if you've been diagnosed with diabetes. The podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Center in Fairfax, Ashburn, McLean, and Reston, VA, treat diabetes-related foot conditions and can help you minimize your risk of complications.
The importance of foot care
Daily self-exams can help you spot sores and injuries and prevent problems. For example, if you notice a red spot on the side of your foot, you can avoid a blister by choosing roomier shoes that don't rub against your feet.
It's particularly important to conduct self-exams if you have nerve damage due to diabetic neuropathy. When you can't feel your feet, you won't experience pain or discomfort and may not even realize that there's a problem until your foot is infected.
Diabetes slows healing time and makes it difficult to treat infections. If the infection doesn't respond well to antibiotics, you may even lose your foot or part of your leg. Practicing self-care and visiting your foot doctor in Fairfax, Ashburn, McLean, or Reston, VA, at the first sign of trouble can help you protect your feet and your health.
When should I call the podiatrist?
Make an appointment with your foot doctor if you notice any of these signs or symptoms:
- Open sores
- Red, swollen sores or cuts
- Pus on your skin
- Corns, calluses, and ingrown toenails (attempting to treat these conditions at home can lead to infections.)
- Red streaks on your skin
- Pain or numbness in your feet
- Change in temperature (Your feet feel abnormally hot or cold.)
- Blue, black or white skin
Prompt treatment of infections is crucial if you have diabetes, for swift attention can help you avoid hospital stays and any potentially deadly complications of the disease.
Concerned? Give us a call!
Have you noticed any of these signs and symptoms? Schedule an appointment with the podiatrists at Family Foot and Ankle Center by calling (703) 273-9818 for the Fairfax, VA, office, (703) 723-9267 for the Ashburn office, (703) 556-8637 for the McLean office or (703) 723-2719 for the Reston office.