Dr. Matthew Thomas directs Pikes Peak Foot and Ankle Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO, providing services for diabetic foot care. Our skilled and licensed podiatry doctor sees patients daily for many foot and ankle issues. However, our doctor believes his diabetic patients must take elevated caution about their foot health and seek the best care possible at home and through regular foot exams.
Specialized Foot and Ankle Care for People with Diabetes
Health risks and precautions are critical in the lives of those fighting diabetes. If diabetic complications affect your feet, ankles, and lower legs, you must seek professional medical treatment immediately.
Health Risks for People with Diabetes
Peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage affects your feet, legs, and hands, decreasing the sensation of feeling when injuries occur. Damage to blood vessels can also inhibit immunity and healing. Severe health complications such as amputation of the toes or feet can result from untreated cuts, wounds, and injuries becoming gangrenous.
Essential Foot Care Tips
Pikes Peak Foot and Ankle Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO, explains the importance of excellent diabetic foot care at home, followed by podiatry visits for wellness checks or immediately if skin issues arise. It is of utmost importance to,
- Call us if you notice skin color changes, sores, or ulcers.
- Wash feet and between toes daily with mild soap and warm water, dry thoroughly, and apply a moisturizer to avoid dry, cracked skin.
- Keep nails trimmed straight across and filed. If your toes become painful or you see evidence of an ingrown toenail, please contact us.
- Never try to remove corns or calluses with a knife. See us for safe treatment.
- Cuts and blisters on the feet are easily treatable for non-diabetics. Healing of diabetic skin is a bit more complicated. Please see us if you have diabetes and these issues. No problem is too small.
- Stay active.
- Wear the correct size of shoes and socks.
Anything abnormal can lead to health complications. People with diabetes require regular podiatry visits. We check your circulation and the blood pressure in your feet, as well as skin temperature and color. We treat all sores and ulcers immediately. We advise on the correct shoe style to ensure your shoes give your feet the support they need.
Call Dr. Thomas today at Pikes Peak Foot and Ankle Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO, at 719-867-8838 and schedule your diabetic foot care appointment. Being a diabetic makes it all that more important to see us throughout the year. We want to meet you and help you keep your feet and ankles healthy.
Podiatry visits help you avoid skin complications stemming from diabetes. If you notice the skin on your feet and ankles developing complications, we need to see you immediately!