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The Importance of Having a Good Podiatrist When You Have Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes affects close to 40 million Americans. It’s a serious condition that, if not managed correctly, can cause a host of debilitating and even deadly complications, including heart disease and kidney damage.
Diabetes affects nearly every part of the body, so it’s no secret that you need a solid care team to manage it. This team includes a primary care provider, an ophthalmologist, an endocrinologist, and a podiatrist.
Having a good podiatrist is even more important if you already have a diabetes-related condition called diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
At AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, located in Arlington and Dallas, Texas, our skilled podiatrists know firsthand why podiatry is so important for those with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Here are seven reasons why your podiatrist is so important when managing diabetes.
1. A podiatrist knows exactly what you’re dealing with
Chronically high blood sugar levels can cause neuropathy, or nerve damage. If you have peripheral neuropathy, you may experience a range of debilitating symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and even loss of sensation in your extremities, particularly your feet and legs.
In other words, peripheral neuropathy isn’t just a nuisance. It can profoundly impact the quality of your life. These symptoms can affect your everyday activities like walking and even sleeping.
About half of people with diabetes have peripheral neuropathy. Knowing that you’re working with a provider who understands your condition — and the risks of living with neuropathy — can bring a sense of relief.
2. Skilled podiatrists detect issues early
You may experience decreased sensation in your feet due to neuropathy. This makes it difficult for you to notice cuts, blisters, or other injuries. Our team performs regular foot exams and checks for issues that you might otherwise miss.
Another perk of early detection is that the sooner you discover problems, the better your chance of avoiding serious complications like infections or ulcers.
3. Regular care helps prevent complications
Neuropathy can increase your risk of foot ulcers, infections, gangrene, and even amputation. In fact, diabetic-related foot complications account for more than 80% of foot amputations in America alone.
Our skilled podiatrists can help you minimize these risks. He can advise you on proper foot care techniques, recommend appropriate footwear, and trim your toenails correctly to prevent ingrown nails.
4. Get the pain relief you need
Peripheral neuropathy often causes pain, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. A podiatrist can address issues related to nerve damage that contribute to pain. For example, we can treat fungal infections, recommend orthotics, and address biomechanical issues that exacerbate your discomfort.
5. Get personalized advice, education, and support
A good podiatrist serves as a valuable resource for information and guidance. They can educate you about the importance of blood sugar control in managing neuropathy. Our team can also offer personalized advice on how to care for your feet properly and what to look out for.
6. Proper wound care can help you avoid serious complications
If you have a minor injury — even a blister on the foot can lead to trouble for diabetics — proper wound care can mean the difference between saving your limb or losing it. At AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, we offer wound care for diabetic ulcers.
Our team may recommend advanced dressing techniques, tissue grafting, medications, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy depending on your needs.
7. Get peace of mind
Knowing that you have a qualified podiatrist monitoring your foot health can give you peace of mind. Regular checkups can help you feel confident that you’re taking the necessary steps to prevent serious problems and maintain your quality of life.
The bottom line is that when you have a good podiatrist, you can focus on managing your diabetes knowing your feet are in good hands.
Whether you need a routine exam or more advanced care for diabetic ulcers, we have everything you need. To get started with podiatric services at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, call our offices in either Arlington or Dallas, Texas or request an appointment via our online scheduling system.
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