Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic foot care reduces your risk of slow-healing wounds, infection, and amputation if you’re one of the 37 million Americans with diabetes. At Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center, in West Covina, California, experienced podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Artin Shakhbandaryan, DPM, offers diabetic foot care to people 12 and older. Dr. Shakhbandaryan’s deep understanding of diabetes and diabetic foot problems makes him uniquely equipped to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Call Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center today to schedule diabetic foot care or book your appointment online.

Do I need diabetic foot care if I have high blood sugar?

Yes. Diabetic foot care is essential if you have prediabetes, diabetes, or generally high blood sugar. If you don’t take steps to keep your blood sugar in check, you’re more likely to experience foot-related complications, including slow-healing wounds, corns, ingrown toenails, and infections.

Annual checkups at Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center can alert you to potential issues, keep your feet healthy, and provide peace of mind. 

Why does diabetes increase the risk of foot problems?

Extended periods of high blood sugar increase your risk of diabetic neuropathy, a type of permanent nerve damage. If the nerves in your feet and toes don’t function normally, you might cut yourself or step on something sharp and not realize it. Bacteria and viruses can then enter these wounds, causing infection and other more serious problems.

Having high blood sugar also affects blood flow to your feet. If the arteries and veins in your legs and feet are partially or completely blocked, it’s more difficult for your body to heal if you develop a cut or a slow-healing wound (diabetic ulcer).

How does a podiatrist diagnose diabetes-related foot problems?

Dr. Shakhbandaryan reviews your medical records and asks how long you’ve had diabetes and how well you manage your blood sugar. Then, he examines your ankles, feet, and toes, checking for redness, corns and calluses, or open wounds.

Dr. Shakhbandaryan presses on your feet and toes with different tools to check if you feel tingling or numbness. If you have an open wound, he may take a biopsy (tissue sample) and sends it to a lab for testing.

What does diabetic foot care involve?

Dr. Shakhbandaryan is familiar with the latest treatments to keep diabetes-related foot problems in check. Because diabetes affects everyone differently, he develops personalized,patient-centered care plans prioritizing your long-term health and quality of life. 

He might suggest:

• Wound care to reduce the risk of infection
• Removing dead or infected tissue (debridement)
• Special bandages and ointments to speed up your body’s healing process
• Offloading with a wheelchair, crutches, boot, cast or special shoes.
• Prescribing oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics

The goal of treatment is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of infection, and prevent future complications.

Call the nearest Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center office today to schedule diabetic foot care, or book your appointment online.