Our Las Vegas Podiatrist Provides Skilled Diabetic Foot Care Services
You do not need to let diabetes keep you from enjoying all that Las Vegas has to offer. At Centennial Foot & Ankle, our skilled Las Vegas podiatrist, Dr. Biesinger, can help your feet remain ready to keep pace with the city's high-energy action.
Signs that You Need to See a Podiatrist
Checking your feet daily for signs of problems or abnormalities is essential when you have diabetes. The following signs indicate it's time to see our diabetic foot care podiatrist:
- Persistent pain or swelling
- Redness, warmth, or tenderness
- Cuts, blisters, or sores that don't heal
- Changes in skin color or temperature
- Unusual foot odor or drainage
Common Foot Complications Associated With Diabetes
You may not realize something as simple as trimming your toenails too short could result in a wound that does not heal. This is because diabetes can reduce blood flow to the area, causing the wound to heal slowly or not at all.
Diabetes can also cause nerve damage, making you lose feeling in the bottoms of your feet. You may step on a sharp object and not realize you're injured until the wound becomes infected.
At Centennial Foot & Ankle, we understand the unique needs of our patients with diabetes and are committed to providing care to address various foot conditions. Here are some of the common diabetes-related foot issues we can help you with:
- Peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness, tingling, or even pain in your feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or changes in temperature. Our team can help you manage this condition effectively.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Reduced blood flow due to PAD can slow down the healing process for wounds on your feet. We offer advanced treatments to improve circulation and promote faster healing.
- Foot ulcers. Open sores or ulcers on your feet can quickly become infected if left untreated. Our skilled podiatrist can provide prompt and effective treatment to prevent complications.
- Fungal infections. Conditions like athlete's foot and fungal toenails can be more challenging to treat when you have diabetes. Our team has experience in managing these infections and providing relief.
Types of Treatment for Diabetes-Related Foot Problems
There are several treatment options available to help manage diabetic foot problems and prevent further issues. Let's look at some common types of diabetic foot care treatments offered at Centennial Foot & Ankle.
Wound Care
Proper wound care is crucial for people who develop diabetic foot ulcers or sores. This may involve using special dressings, cleaning the wound regularly, debriding (removing dead tissue), and taking antibiotics to prevent infection.
Orthotics
Custom shoe orthotics are worn inside the shoes to help redistribute weight and reduce pressure points on the feet, taking stress off areas prone to ulcers. Orthotics are often prescribed for diabetics with foot deformities or neuropathy.
Therapeutic Shoes
Diabetic shoes are specially designed with deep toe boxes to avoid irritation and extra room for orthotics. They typically have no inside seams to prevent rubbing.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be required to treat diabetic foot conditions. Common procedures include surgery to repair deformities like bunions or hammer toes and amputations to remove severely damaged foot tissue. At Centennial Foot & Ankle, we can perform in-office graft applications to treat foot ulcers and wounds.
Medication
Certain medications can help with diabetic neuropathy and improve circulation. Medication options include prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and topical treatments.
Foot Care Education
Do you want to learn how to properly care for your feet? Dr. Biesinger and the team at Centennial Foot & Ankle provide comprehensive education on diabetic foot care techniques. This includes information about daily foot inspections, washing and thoroughly drying the feet, applying moisturizer, trimming toenails straight across, wearing appropriate socks and shoes at all times, and how to recognize the signs of a problem that indicates the need for professional podiatric care.