DR. LEE S. COHEN & ASSOCIATES
SPORTS MEDICINE PODIATRY CENTER
DIABETIC FOOT CARE WOUND CARE
DIABETIC FOOT CARE SERVICES WITH EXPERT PODIATRISTS IN CHERRY HILL, N.J. AND RIDLEY PARK, PA.
People with diabetes are much more likely to suffer nerve damage, circulation problems, and infections—all problems that directly affect the feet. The lack of feeling and poor blood flow caused by poor diabetes care can allow a small blister or wound to progress into a serious infection that could lead to amputation. Nerve damage—also called neuropathy—can cause the skin to dry and crack, which makes them susceptible to bacteria and fungi entering the body.
Preventive Measures
It’s vitally important to take proactive rather than reactive measures when trying to prevent additional issues that go hand in hand with diabetes. That means; frequent doctors visits, exercising, hydration, and eating a healthy and balanced diet. You also have to make paying special attention to your feet by inspecting them regularly. Properly inspecting your feet should include:
Searching for any type of wounds, bruises, redness, blisters, ulcers, cuts, and/or scratches
Carefully examining the bottoms of the feet and toes
Thoroughly washing the feet with soap and warm water regularly
Using lotion to keep feet soft and free from cracking
Trimming toenails regularly
Smoothing out corns and calluses
Diabetic Foot Care Essentials
Wearing properly fitting shoes is crucial to proper foot care management—a poorly fitting shoe can lead to foot problems like corns, calluses, or hammertoe. Walking shoes and athletic shoes are great for daily wear because they provide stability for your feet while allowing them to “breathe.” Avoid shoes that are made of vinyl or plastic, and shoes with pointed toes or higher than average heels.
Footwear choice is important but you need to also consider the socks you are wearing.
Make sure your socks are clean, padded, and dry.
Always wear socks—even if you’re wearing shoes—to protect against blisters and sores.
Avoid walking barefoot at all times because fungal and bacterial infections can spread very easily.
Complications
Properly managing your diabetes and protecting your feet can help avoid complications and infections. When infections go untreated and aren’t treated properly, you risk losing your foot altogether. When infections like gangrene begin to kill the infected dead tissues, the only treatment available is surgery to remove the affected appendage.
Diabetes is a serious condition that—if improperly managed—can become potentially life-threatening. Contact our podiatry practice, Dr. Lee S. Cohen and Associates for a comprehensive evaluation by utilizing our contact form or call (610) 522-9200 today.
Foot Ulcers & Wound Care
HAVING AN OPEN WOUND, INCREASES THE CHANCES OF INFECTION.
If you have a non-healing wound on your lower extremity, it is essential that you seed medical attention and take the measures to get it healed as quickly as possible to prevent infection and further complications. If you have diabetes, you are especially at high risk for complications. The sooner a wound is treated the greater the patient's chances are of healing.
When you first come to our office, Dr. Lee S. Cohen and Associates, our expert Podiatry team will use the latest technology to perform a comprehensive neurologic, vascular and orthopedic exam. Once the wounds are healed, patients are regularly followed up to help avoid future problems.
So, if you have a non-healing wound on your foot, ankle, or leg especially if you're diabetic, we strongly recommend that you contact us to schedule an appointment (610) 522-9200.