Living with diabetes requires diligent health management, especially concerning your feet. Seemingly minor foot issues can escalate into serious complications for individuals with diabetes. Partnering with a skilled podiatrist for routine diabetic foot care becomes paramount in safeguarding health and quality of life. The Foot Institute in El Paso, TX, provides comprehensive podiatric care, with a special emphasis on diabetic foot health.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Complications
Foot health is a major concern for people with diabetes for several reasons. Uncontrolled blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet and legs, leading to diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes also often causes reduced blood circulation to the feet. The combination of decreased sensation and impaired wound healing creates the perfect storm for limb-threatening infections in people with diabetes. While these complications may seem inevitable, most are preventable with proper diabetic foot care. For people with diabetes, immediate treatment of foot problems paired with routine podiatry visits are critical for identifying problems early and implementing prompt treatment.
Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Problems
Certain factors increase the risk of developing foot problems in people with diabetes, including:
- A history of diabetic foot ulcers or amputation.
- Vision impairment that makes self-foot exams difficult.
- Severe diabetic neuropathy or peripheral artery disease.
The Importance of Regular Diabetic Foot Exams
The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends that people with diabetes schedule a comprehensive preventive foot exam at least once per year. During a diabetic foot care exam at The Foot Institute, an El Paso podiatrist will carefully inspect feet and ankles for any abnormalities. In addition to reviewing medical history and examining feet, they will assess sensation level, circulation, and skin condition.
During a diabetic foot care exam, the podiatrist will collaborate with the patient to create an individualized plan tailored to unique needs. The podiatrist will also share valuable tips on how to care for feet at home between appointments. This will help patients learn what they need to do to reduce the chance of experiencing foot wounds that could lead to serious complications.
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Preventative Foot Care for Diabetics
When you have diabetes, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Seemingly simple habits can make a big difference in avoiding diabetic foot complications in the long run.
Inspecting your feet daily for any changes. Make a habit of checking your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems.
Gently washing your feet and applying moisturizer to prevent dry, cracked skin. Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water and gentle soap, being careful not to soak them as this can dry out your skin.
Always wearing clean, well-fitting socks and shoes. Choose moisture-wicking socks and well-fitting, supportive shoes to protect your feet from injury and prevent blisters.
Promoting circulation with regular exercise. Engaging in physical activity helps improve blood flow to your feet and legs.
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Avoiding going barefoot, even indoors. Always protect your feet by wearing shoes or slippers, even when you're at home.
Promptly treating any cuts or scrapes and monitoring them for signs of infection.
Comprehensive Podiatric Services at The Foot Institute
The Foot Institute of El Paso, Texas, is dedicated to providing patients with the most comprehensive podiatric experience possible. Efren De La Rosa, DPM, FACFAS, and his team of board-certified experts and support staff offer a full range of medical and surgical treatments in warm, welcoming offices throughout El Paso.
Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities
The Foot Institute utilizes in-office MRIs, CAT scans, and other diagnostics for early detection and prevention of foot and ankle problems.
Conservative and Surgical Treatment Options
Not every foot or ankle problem needs surgery. In fact, at The Foot Institute, Dr. Efren Buff De La Rosa and the team of board-certified El Paso podiatrists help patients resolve most conditions with conservative care. While some podiatry practices actively promote surgery, The Foot Institute specialists take a different approach.
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However, when conservative methods are insufficient, The Foot Institute offers a wide range of surgical procedures performed by experienced El Paso podiatric surgeons. These procedures address various conditions, including:
- Achilles tendon ruptures.
- Broken bones and severe stress fractures.
- Bunions.
- Hammer toes, mallet toes, and claw toes.
- Infections.
- Morton's neuroma.
- Nerve damage (also called peripheral or diabetic neuropathy).
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Severe strains and sprains.
- Slow-healing foot wounds.
- Turf toe.
Innovative Therapies
The Foot Institute is committed to utilizing the latest advancements in podiatric medicine to provide patients with the most effective treatments available. They offer innovative therapies such as:
- MLS laser therapy.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
Sun City Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Specialists
Sun City Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Specialists also play a vital role in addressing musculoskeletal issues that can impact foot and ankle health. Dr. Eric Sides, the founder of Sun City Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Specialists, established the practice with the goal of better serving the El Paso community. Dr. Sides' core areas of interest include total joint replacement surgeries, including knee, hip, and shoulder surgery, as well as using arthroscopy to treat knee and shoulder injuries.
Patient Education and Care
One of the most important aspects of Dr. Sides' job is helping educate the patient on the treatment and the recovery process. This patient-first philosophy is a core aspect of Sun City Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Specialists.
Conclusion
Maintaining foot health is crucial, especially for individuals with diabetes. Regular diabetic foot exams, preventative care, and access to comprehensive podiatric services are essential for preventing complications and ensuring a healthy, active life. The Foot Institute in El Paso, Texas, and Sun City Orthopaedic and Hand Surgery Specialists are dedicated to providing the highest quality foot and ankle care to the El Paso community.