Importance of Consulting a Podiatrist if You’re Diabetic
Nerve damage and other foot-related complications (that can even lead to amputation) are one of the most common issues in people who are diabetic, especially those who do not manage the condition well.
This is due to diabetes damaging the organs and systems of your body over time, and since the feet are so far away from the heart, peripheral vascular disease and nerve damage is common in the lower extremities.
Because of that, if you do have diabetes, it’s a good idea to have a podiatrist as part of your care team.
Center’s Healthcare has a look at the importance of consulting a podiatrist if you’re diabetic.
Catching Early Warning Signs
A podiatrist can help reduce the risk of amputation by up to 85% and cut down the risk of hospitalization by 25%. This is because the specialist can oftentimes catch warning signs of diabetes-related foot issues before you might even notice them. These signs include swelling, open and slow-healing sores, color changes, cracks, extreme dryness, and ingrown toenails, fungus, and infections.
Patient Education
A podiatrist can also help you manage the condition better and know what to look for when it comes to the health of your feet.
For example, cutting out smoking and drinking has an overall positive effect on diabetes management, which will keep your feet healthier.
And if you have nerve damage in your feet, you need to be especially careful to check your surroundings. You may scald your feet in a hot shower or bath without feeling it, or you may not notice a rock that’s stuck in your shoe, which can cause a wound that may be slow to heal and get infected.
A podiatrist can also more closely inspect your feet—especially the bottoms of your feet—than you can.
