Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic Foot Care in Santa Monica, CA

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing serious foot issues due to nerve damage and poor circulation. At SoCal Sports Podiatry, we provide specialized diabetic foot care to help prevent complications and maintain healthy feet. Schedule an appointment today to learn how we can support your long-term foot health.

Why Diabetic Foot Care Is Important

Diabetes can impact the feet in multiple ways, including neuropathy, poor circulation, infections, and foot deformities. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, reduces sensation in the feet, making it challenging to detect injuries or sores, which can increase the risk of infection. Poor circulation further complicates healing by slowing down the recovery process for cuts or blisters, potentially leading to ulcers or infections that are hard to manage. Additionally, high blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult to combat infections. Over time, changes in foot shape, such as hammertoes or bunions, can also occur, creating additional pressure points that elevate the risk of complications like ulcers.

Key Aspects of Diabetic Foot Care

Regular Foot Examinations: At SoCal Sports Podiatry, we recommend regular foot check-ups for diabetic patients to monitor for any signs of complications. Early detection is critical in preventing minor issues from becoming serious problems.

Daily Foot Inspections: Patients are advised to check their feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any other abnormalities. A mirror can be helpful for inspecting the bottoms of the feet.

Proper Footwear: Wearing properly fitting shoes that offer good support and protection is essential. Diabetic patients should avoid tight shoes, high heels, and shoes with seams that could cause friction.

Moisturizing: Keeping the skin on the feet moisturized helps prevent dryness and cracking, which can lead to infections. However, avoid applying lotion between the toes, as excess moisture can encourage fungal growth.

Nail Care: Trim toenails straight across and file the edges to prevent ingrown toenails. If you have difficulty doing this yourself, our podiatrists can assist with safe nail care.

Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping blood sugar levels under control is vital for overall health and can significantly reduce the risk of foot complications.

Avoiding Barefoot Walking: To prevent injuries, diabetic patients should always wear shoes, even indoors. Walking barefoot increases the risk of cuts, scrapes, and other injuries.

Treatment Options at SoCal Sports Podiatry

Wound Care
If you develop a foot ulcer or wound, our specialists provide advanced wound care treatments to promote healing and prevent infection.

Orthotic Devices
Custom orthotics can help redistribute pressure on the feet, reducing the risk of ulcers and calluses.

Nerve Function Tests
We offer diagnostic tests to assess nerve function and identify neuropathy early, allowing for better management and prevention of complications.

Circulation Improvement
We provide treatments to improve blood flow to the feet, enhancing the healing process and reducing the risk of complications.

Care Tips

Proper foot care is essential for overall health, particularly for those managing conditions like diabetes. Maintaining well-controlled blood sugar levels can help prevent complications, while daily foot inspections allow for the early detection of any changes or abnormalities. Avoiding smoking is also important, as it can negatively impact circulation. Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes can help protect the feet from unnecessary pressure or injury. Additionally, scheduling regular check-ups with a podiatrist can help ensure optimal foot health and address any issues promptly.

At SoCal Sports Podiatry, we understand the unique challenges that diabetes can present to foot health. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized diabetic foot care to help you maintain healthy, pain-free feet. Visit us at 2001 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 465-W, or call us at (310) 395-5025 to schedule an appointment. Your foot health is our priority.