Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to a variety of ongoing health complications, especially when the condition isn’t well managed. One of the more concerning side effects of diabetes is the damage it can do to your feet.
At Alpine Foot & Ankle in Sandy and Highland, Utah, we specialize in diabetic foot care services that can significantly reduce your risk for chronic complications. Scott Shelton, DPM, our double board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, offers treatment plans to address foot ulcers and other diabetes-related concerns so you can remain healthy and independent.
How diabetes affects your foot health
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that occurs when your body doesn’t produce insulin, a hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels. Without sufficient insulin, your blood sugar levels can remain high and lead to poor circulation and nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy).
Nerve damage is especially concerning in people with diabetes. When your nerves aren’t functioning correctly, you may not experience pain sensations that alert you to cuts or sores on your feet. Untreated cuts and sores can grow larger and become infected before you even notice them.
Unfortunately, delayed treatment of ulcers and other foot wounds can increase your risk for tissue death. Severe tissue death may require amputation surgery to remove part or all of your foot.
The goal of diabetic foot care is to address foot ulcers in the earliest stage to prevent these complications from occurring. Dr. Shelton also ensures your feet remain in good health, so you can avoid mobility issues that can result in the loss of your independence.
What to expect from diabetic foot care
The diabetic foot care services we offer at Alpine Foot & Ankle include diagnostic evaluations and customized treatment plans to address existing issues in your feet and ankles that relate to diabetes. Dr. Shelton also offers preventive resources you can use to lower your risk for foot ulcers and other diabetes-related complications.
At your initial evaluation, Dr. Shelton reviews your medical history and existing health. He carefully examines the skin on each foot and in between your toes to identify small cuts or other injuries that aren’t healing. If you already have a wound, he assesses how well it’s healing.
We also evaluate how well your diabetes is being managed. Dr. Shelton can work with your primary care physician to ensure your current treatment plan is regulating your blood sugar levels properly.
If you already have ulcers or other foot wounds, Dr. Shelton can clean and dress them. He may also prescribe medications to prevent infection and ease pain. We offer custom orthotics like shoe inserts that can reduce pressure on ulcers, so they can heal properly.
Why ongoing diabetic foot care is important
After your initial diabetic foot care evaluation, you can expect to meet regularly with Dr. Shelton for preventive foot checks. Routine visits allow him to identify potential issues before they become more complex.
We also offer other foot care services to prevent diabetic foot complications, including toenail trims to prevent ingrown toenails and fungal toenail treatments.
Dr. Shelton can also recommend diet improvements you can make to improve blood circulation in your legs and feet and lifestyle changes that lower your risk for additional foot injuries and ulcers.
Call the Alpine Foot & Ankle office in Highland or Sandy, Utah, to schedule a diabetic foot exam or book an appointment online today.
