Diabetic Foot & Wound Care

If you have diabetes, you need diabetic foot and wound care from specialists that understand the disease and its effects on your feet. Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists offers expert care for neuropathy, circulatory issues, foot ulcers, and other problems that affect people with diabetes. There are three conveniently-located offices in Atoka, Cordova, and East Memphis, Tennessee, so call the one nearest you or click on the online scheduler now.

How does diabetes affect the feet?

Diabetes causes both nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation. 

Neuropathy

With neuropathy, high blood sugar eventually damages your nerves. Neuropathy can cause painful tingling or shock-like sensations and often causes numbness as well. 

Numbness prevents you from feeling foot wounds. Standing and walking on untreated wounds can quickly worsen the injury and lead to serious complications like foot ulcers. Neuropathy can also lead to corns and calluses since you’re not aware of abnormal pressure on your foot.

Additionally, neuropathy can cause muscle and tendon weakness that could lead to hammertoes and bunions. 

Charcot foot is another neuropathy complication that occurs when a broken bone goes untreated because you can’t feel it. Eventually, it can lead to arch collapse and a rocker-bottom foot. 

Poor circulation 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs when you have poor circulation owing to artery narrowing, meaning less blood reaches your feet. Because of poor circulation, wounds don’t heal properly, so you have a high risk of infections. 

Ultimately, PAD and its complications could result in amputation if you don’t get the appropriate diabetic foot and wound care. 

About half of people with diabetes experience neuropathy, and around 30% experience PAD. 

What does diabetic foot and wound care include?

Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists covers both preventive foot care and advanced treatment of diabetes complications in the office. 

You can take steps to prevent diabetes complications and amputations, such as wearing prescription diabetic shoes and custom orthotics. 

If you develop foot wounds, specialized wound care techniques can help you heal faster. Wound healing may involve topical treatments, debridement (removal of dead tissue), oxygen therapy, and other advanced care to stimulate healing.

Additionally, the specialists can help with routine things like nail grooming and corn and callus care.

How often should I schedule diabetic foot and wound care?

The practice recommends booking an appointment at the time of diabetes diagnosis. After your first visit, schedule foot exams at least once a year or at the recommended intervals. 

Should you develop any new foot problems, remember that early treatment is the key to keeping your feet healthy. Don’t wait to reach out to the office, even for seemingly minor issues like small wounds, corns, calluses, and blisters. 

Call Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists in your area or click the online appointment maker for help now.