Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to create or properly use insulin, which inhibits the body's ability to use food for energy. Without the capability to break down foods to be converted to glucose, this sugar is released into the bloodstream, causing hyperglycemia. The long-term effects of high blood sugar include cardiovascular disease, kidney failure as well as damage to the nerves, eyes and feet. Here is a guide to foot care for diabetic patients and how a podiatrist can help.

What Are Some Common Diabetes-Related Foot Problems?

Foot problems are a common and serious complication of diabetes. Some of the most common problems that affect foot health are nerve damage, foot ulcers, charcoal foot and amputation. Damaged nerves prevent patients from feeling their feet and toes. They can also cause weakening in the bones in your feet, resulting in fractures and foot deformities referred to as charcoal foot. 

Additionally, when nerves are inhibited from sending signals to the brain after a small injury or cut, the wound can develop into a foot ulcer. This exposed lesion can grow and become infected very quickly. Without swift treatment, the entire foot can be compromised, requiring amputation. 

How Does a Podiatrist Help?

Diabetes requires several medical professionals on a care team to ensure a patient is receiving thorough management and treatment. A podiatrist focuses specifically on identifying foot health risks. More than 100,000 lower limbs are amputated because of diabetic complications. 

Including a podiatrist in your diabetes care team reduces the risk of amputation by a staggering 85 percent. Through regular foot exams, this specialist can test for nerve damage, prevent foot ulcers through temperature monitoring and provide patients with resources that help keep their feet healthy and protected. 

Problems with your feet prevent you from operating in the world the way you want to. For this reason, residents in Cleveland, OH, turn to expert podiatrist Dr. Eric D. Trattner. Whether you're suffering from heel pain, complications from diabetes, or toenail fungus, Dr. Trattner's extensive knowledge of ankle and foot conditions and custom treatment plan will have you back on your feet in no time. To learn more about this podiatric physician and surgeon, visit the website or call (440) 333-5350 to schedule a free consultation.