Diabetic Foot Care in Pembroke Pines & Plantation
Diabetes can affect circulation and nerve function in the feet, making small problems like blisters, cuts, and calluses more likely to turn into serious ulcers and infections. Daily preventive care and regular podiatry exams are your best defense. At Daniel Bell, DPM - Foot & Ankle Institute, Daniel Bell, DPM provides comprehensive diabetic foot care to help patients protect their feet, stay active, and avoid complications.
How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
High blood sugar over time can lead to two major problems in the feet:
- Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, or burning. Without normal sensation, you may not notice a blister, cut, or pressure sore.
- Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow slows healing and makes it harder for the body to fight infection.
Together, these increase the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and in severe cases amputation. The good news is that most diabetic foot complications are preventable with proper care.
Our Diabetic Foot Care Services
- Comprehensive diabetic foot exams, including sensation and circulation checks
- Safe nail care for thick or ingrown toenails and treatment of toenail fungus
- Professional treatment of corns and calluses
- Wound care for foot ulcers and slow-healing sores
- Custom orthotics and footwear guidance to offload pressure
- Management of deformities like bunions and hammertoes that create pressure points
- Education on daily foot inspection and self-care
Daily Foot Care Tips for People With Diabetes
- Inspect your feet every day, including the soles and between the toes, for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling
- Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes
- Moisturize the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between the toes
- Never walk barefoot, even indoors
- Wear well-fitting shoes and clean, dry socks
- Encourage blood flow by staying active and avoiding crossing your legs for long periods
- Keep your blood sugar within your target range
- Do not cut corns or calluses yourself
Warning Signs That Need Prompt Attention
Call us right away if you notice an open sore, drainage, redness, warmth, swelling, a change in skin color, or new pain or numbness. Early treatment can prevent a minor problem from becoming a serious one. Seniors with diabetes also benefit from our geriatric foot care. See all of our podiatry services.
Diabetic Foot Care FAQs
How often should someone with diabetes see a podiatrist?
Most people with diabetes should have a foot exam at least once a year, and more often if they have neuropathy, poor circulation, or a history of ulcers.
What happens during a diabetic foot exam?
The exam checks skin, nails, sensation, circulation, and foot structure to identify risks before problems develop.
Why are foot ulcers common with diabetes?
Nerve damage hides injuries, and poor circulation slows healing, allowing small wounds to become ulcers.
Can I trim my own toenails if I have diabetes?
If you have neuropathy, poor circulation, or thick nails, it is safest to have a podiatrist trim them.
What kind of shoes should I wear with diabetes?
Choose well-fitting, supportive shoes with a roomy toe box and no seams that rub. Custom orthotics or diabetic shoes may be recommended.
What are signs of a diabetic foot infection?
Signs include redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, odor, and fever. Seek care immediately if you notice these.
Can diabetic foot problems be prevented?
Yes. Daily foot checks, good blood sugar control, proper footwear, and regular podiatry visits prevent most complications.
Protect Your Feet With Expert Diabetic Care
Prevention is the key to healthy feet with diabetes. Call (954) 942-5005 - Pembroke Pines Office or (954) 942-5005 - Plantation Office or request an appointment online to schedule your diabetic foot exam.