Managing diabetes requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond monitoring blood sugar levels. Your feet are particularly vulnerable to the effects of this condition, making professional podiatric care essential for your long-term health.
At Oregon Institute of Foot Care in Lake Oswego, Dr. Tyler Manson provides rigorous diabetic foot care to maintain mobility and independence.
How Dr. Manson Helps Patients With Diabetes
As part of your care team, Dr. Manson can also teach you how to inspect and care for your feet at home. For people with diabetes, having Dr. Manson as part of their healthcare team may reduce the risk of amputation and other serious complications.
Diabetes Related Nerve Damage Endangers Your Feet
Keeping your blood sugar well-controlled is a vital part of protecting your feet from potentially dangerous complications. That’s because high blood sugar can damage your nerves, reducing their ability to send the appropriate signals to your brain.
Diabetic nerve damage, commonly referred to as neuropathy, primarily affects the nerves in the legs and feet. When your body has trouble interpreting signals sent from your nerves to your brain, you can lose some sensation in your extremities, particularly your legs and feet.
This situation means you may not feel pain when you have a cut or sore on your foot, so you won’t know how to care for the wound. An untreated foot injury is dangerous for a person with diabetes. It can quickly turn into a severe infection that requires immediate attention.
Signs of diabetic neuropathy to look out for:
- Tingling sensations
- Numbness
- Reduced pain sensation
- Sharp pains
- Ulcers
- Reduced sense of temperature changes
Diabetes Related Circulation Problems Harm Your Feet
When you have diabetes, you’re at an increased risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition where blood vessels become narrow. The blood vessels most often affected are those in the legs, feet, and toes. Because the arteries are narrow, blood has a harder time circulating throughout your body, resulting in reduced blood flow to your legs and feet.
PAD makes it harder for wounds to heal. This means if you bump or bruise your foot or a toe, a minor sore can take much longer than normal to fully heal, leaving you vulnerable to infection. Slow wound healing, coupled with reduced circulation, can raise the risk of tissue death. In severe cases, amputation is necessary.
Tell Dr. Manson during your appointment if you experience these symptoms of PAD:
- Mild to severe leg pain
- Changes in leg color
- Lower extremity sores
- Leg weakness
- Leg cramping
- Shiny skin on legs
What Can Go Wrong Without Proper Care
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Open wounds that are slow to heal and prone to infection.
- Charcot Foot: A condition where weakened bones lead to foot deformation.
- Osteomyelitis: Bacterial infections that spread to the bone.
Finding a qualified Lake Oswego podiatrist for foot ulcer prevention is critical. We also prescribe custom orthotics to offload pressure from vulnerable areas, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent wounds from forming. Early intervention is the best way to reduce the risk of hospitalization.
Our Diabetic Foot Care Services
Preventative Screenings & Check-ups
Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Treatment
Foot Ulcer Care & Prevention
Custom Orthotics & Diabetic Shoes
Why you should have Dr. Manson and OIFC on your diabetes care team
What to Expect From a Visit
He will also conduct a neurological exam to test your ability to feel pressure and vibration. This helps determine your risk level for ulcers. We will also inspect your skin for any signs of dryness, cracking, or irritation that requires treatment.
Self-Care Tips for Diabetic Foot Health
- Inspect your feet daily: Check for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet if necessary.
- Wash feet daily: Use lukewarm water (never hot) and mild soap. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Moisturize properly: Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent cracking. However, avoid applying lotion between your toes to prevent fungal growth.
- Never go barefoot: Always wear shoes or slippers, even indoors, to protect against injury.
- Wear clean, dry socks: Change socks daily and avoid tight elastic bands that restrict circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a diabetic see a podiatrist?
What are the first signs of a diabetic foot ulcer?
Does insurance cover diabetic shoe inserts?
Can diabetic neuropathy be reversed?
Can I trim my own toenails if I have diabetes?
Schedule Your Diabetic Foot Care Appointment
Do not wait for a complication to arise before seeking help. Proactive care is the best way to maintain your mobility and quality of life. Contact the Oregon Institute of Foot Care today to schedule your diabetic foot care appointment. Dr. Manson serves patients throughout Lake Oswego, West Linn, and the greater Portland area.
Related Procedures
Heel Pain
Skin Conditions
Ankle And Leg
Arch Pain
About
At Oregon Institute of Foot Care, we care about healthy, happy, beautiful feet. We strive to provide personalized foot care and achieve the outcomes, both functionally and cosmetically, that our patients desire. What sets OIFC apart is our dedication to providing the highest quality care available, utilizing the latest medical techniques and technologies, educating patients to make well-informed health care decisions, and restoring foot and ankle function as quickly and beautifully as possible. Our mission is to give you healthy, happy, beautiful feet.
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