The Importance of Diabetic Foot Care

Dr. Neda Arjomandi is your caring podiatrist at Laguna Woods Podiatry Group. She provides diabetic foot care in Laguna Hills, CA, to many patients. Building a medical relationship with her can keep your feet healthy while managing this chronic ailment.

Daily Care Diabetics Should Practice

As a diabetic, you must take extra precautions with your foot care. This precaution starts with regular daily cleaning and proper drying. Failure to properly dry your feet can cause fungus and bacteria to form. A common fungal condition is toenail fungus, characterized by brittle and discolored toenails.

In addition, you should moisturize your feet with deeply moisturizing products. Otherwise, your feet may be susceptible to developing dry, cracked skin, particularly on the heels. It may form into a thick callous that makes it painful to walk or stand. This cracked skin may open up more and develop into an ulcer.

Check your feet daily for signs of problems, such as knicks and cuts. Look out for signs of discoloration as that may signal circulation issues. Alert your podiatrist if you experience ongoing pain, numbness, or tingling in your feet, as that may signal the onset of neuropathy. Many diabetics experience peripheral neuropathy as high blood sugar can damage blood vessels. Practicing stretching and regular exercises can help maintain better circulation. It also helps you stay at a healthy weight that reduces pressure on the feet.

Why Your Podiatrist Matters

A podiatrist is a foot doctor and diabetics must take special care of their feet. Therefore, they may have more visits to a podiatrist than other patients. Your podiatrist can quickly recognize signs of foot problems and underlying problems that may show in the feet. For example, edema (fluid buildup) may signal thyroid, heart, kidney, or liver issues. They can also perform medical pedicures to help you prevent ingrown toenails, bunions, corns, cracked skin, and foot ulcers.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment for diabetic foot care in Laguna Hills, CA, if you notice skin discoloration. Pay attention to cuts, bruises, or scrapes that are slowly healing. Ingrown can become infected and very painful when self-care doesn’t work. Your podiatrist can clip them for you so you don't risk damaging the skin. Pus and bleeding are signs of infection your doctor should check.

Contact Us for More Information

When you need diabetic foot care in Laguna Hills, CA, look no further than Laguna Woods Podiatry Group. Dr. Arjomandi is your trusted podiatrist providing ongoing care and advising on foot health. Learn more and call us at 949-581-2520.