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Diabetes increases the risk of nerve problems, wounds, and other diabetes-related foot issues. At West Beverly Podiatry Group in Montebello and Duarte, California, Michael Vega, DPM, Johnny Huang, DPM, and their highly trained team offers comprehensive diabetic foot care for patients of all ages. Call the office to schedule a diabetic foot evaluation, or use the online booking feature today.
Diabetic Foot Care Q&A
What is diabetic foot care?
Diabetic foot care at West Beverly Podiatry Group includes foot and ankle evaluations, diagnostic testing, and treatments as needed for common diabetic foot complications. The practice offers numerous treatment options and routine preventive care, as treating diabetic patients is the podiatry team’s specialty.
Which conditions does diabetic foot care address?
Diabetes can increase your risk of:
- Nerve damage
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning discomfort
- Nonhealing wounds
- Infections
- Foot pain
Uncontrolled blood sugar is a risk factor for nerve damage and other common diabetic foot issues. Seeing a podiatrist regularly when you have diabetes is vital to maximize your foot health and reduce the risk of severe complications, such as infection and then the need for amputation.
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic foot amputations in the United States, as about 14%-24% of patients with diabetes who have foot ulcers are candidates for amputation.
What should I expect during diabetic foot care visits?
When you arrive at West Beverly Podiatry Group for a diabetic foot care appointment, your podiatrist greets you and reviews your medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, medications, and more.
They examine your feet and ankles during a comprehensive evaluation. They may suggest blood testing, nerve testing, tissue swabs, X-rays, or additional imaging procedures to pinpoint possible diabetes-related foot problems and develop an effective treatment plan.
Which diabetic foot care options are available?
As part of a comprehensive diabetic foot care plan, West Beverly Podiatry Group offers:
- Lifestyle change and weight loss counseling
- Diabetic shoes
- Custom orthotics
- Wound care
- Debridement
- Bandading
- Dressing
- Medications
- Off-loading
- Medications
- Tissue grafts
- Surgery
In severe cases or if conservative options haven’t worked, the West Beverly Podiatry Group team offers surgery to reduce the risk of further problems.
Properly controlling your blood sugar is crucial in dramatically reducing the risk of diabetes-related foot issues. This means managing a healthy body weight, taking diabetes medications or using insulin as directed, eating nutritious foods, and exercising regularly.
Your provider follows up with you regularly to monitor the health and function of your feet, detecting possible problems early before they become severe.
To schedule a diabetic foot care appointment, call the nearest West Beverly Podiatry Group office or use the online booking feature today.