Three Reasons To See A Podiatrist If You Have Diabetes

People with diabetes can be prone to problems with their feet. If you have diabetes, you may want to see your podiatrist at a place like Pinker & Associates even if you aren't having foot problems so you can establish a relationship with your doctor in advance. Here are just a few of the reasons diabetics might need to see a podiatrist.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which the nerves become damaged as a result of your diabetes. This condition can cause severe pain and discomfort in the feet, legs and ankles. Your podiatrist can help you manage the pain, and he or she can help you find footwear that reduces the impact of the condition as you walk. If you notice tingling, numbness, burning or sharp shooting pain in your feet, it may be time to visit your podiatrist for medical attention.

Fungal Infections

While fungal infections can affect anyone, but people with diabetes can be more prone to develop these types of infections. They can impact your toes in the form of difficult-to-treat nail infections. You may also be more likely to develop athlete's foot. Your podiatrist can treat fungal infections of your toenails and feet with medications or topical solutions. For some toenail infections, the podiatrist may remove the nail tissue to help solve the problem. Letting either of these conditions go untreated for too long can impact your overall foot health and make it more difficult to treat the problem.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

People with unmanaged Type 2 diabetes or those with severe cases may be prone to circulation problems. With peripheral vascular disease, the blood vessels in your arms and legs can't circulate the blood properly. As a result, you may have foot pain and numbness, or you may have wounds on your feet that won't heal. Treating this condition is critical, as wounds that won't heal may be at risk for infection or other more serious complications, such as amputation. Talk to your podiatrist about any types of pain or numbness you are experiencing in your feet and legs. If you are experiencing the same symptoms in your hands and arms, you should still inform your podiatrist, as he or she can coordinate with your primary care physician to ensure you get the best treatment for all of your symptoms.

Visiting your podiatrist regularly and checking your feet for any signs of sores, blisters or any other abnormalities will help you to maintain good foot health while also helping to manage your diabetes effectively. Don't let foot problems go unattended, and be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions about your diabetes or any foot symptoms you are experiencing.


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