Diabetic Foot Care in Sacramento, CA
Diabetes can affect circulation and nerve sensation in your feet, making even small problems a serious concern. At Dennis Grandy, DPM, our diabetic foot care focuses on prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment to help you avoid ulcers, infections, and other complications. Call (916) 920-0371 to schedule your diabetic foot exam.
Why Diabetes Puts Your Feet at Risk
Over time, high blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet (diabetic neuropathy) and reduce blood flow to your lower legs. Without normal sensation, you may not notice a blister, cut, or pressure sore. With reduced circulation, those wounds heal more slowly and are more likely to become infected. That is why routine foot care is so important for anyone living with diabetes.
Daily Preventive Foot Care
Daily preventive care can help you decrease your risk of developing serious conditions like ulcers and infections:
- Inspect your feet at the end of each day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or changes in skin or nails
- Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes
- Moisturize dry skin, but avoid applying lotion between the toes
- Keep your feet warm in cold weather and encourage blood flow by staying active
- Never walk barefoot, and always wear well-fitting shoes and clean, dry socks
- Maintain an overall healthy lifestyle and keep your blood sugar under control
Professional Diabetic Foot Care
Regular visits with Dr. Grandy allow us to check sensation, circulation, and skin health and catch problems before they become serious. We provide safe trimming of nails and treatment of corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, and fungal toenails, which should never be treated at home by people with diabetes. custom orthotics and proper footwear can reduce pressure on high-risk areas of the foot.
When to Call Our Office
Contact us right away if you notice an open sore, drainage, redness, warmth, swelling, a change in skin color, or new numbness or tingling. Early treatment is the best way to prevent serious complications. Older adults with diabetes can also benefit from our geriatric foot care.
Diabetic Foot Care FAQs
Why is foot care important for people with diabetes?
Diabetes can reduce sensation and circulation in the feet, so minor injuries may go unnoticed and heal slowly, increasing the risk of ulcers and infection.
How often should I see a podiatrist if I have diabetes?
Most people with diabetes should have a foot exam at least once a year, and more often if they have neuropathy, circulation problems, or a history of ulcers.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes that can lead to numbness, tingling, burning, or loss of feeling in the feet.
Should I trim my own toenails if I have diabetes?
If you have neuropathy, poor circulation, or vision problems, professional nail care is the safest option.
What are signs of a diabetic foot ulcer?
Look for an open sore, drainage on your socks, redness, swelling, warmth, or an unusual odor, and call your podiatrist right away.
What shoes are best for diabetic feet?
Choose supportive, well-cushioned shoes with a roomy toe box and no seams that rub. Special diabetic shoes or inserts may be recommended.
Can foot problems from diabetes be prevented?
Many complications can be prevented with daily self-checks, good blood sugar control, proper footwear, and regular podiatry visits.
Protect Your Feet From Diabetic Complications
Regular diabetic foot care helps keep you healthy and active. Call (916) 920-0371 to schedule an exam with Dennis Grandy, DPM.