Think about how much you rely on your feet. Whether you’re on the go for your job, enjoying quality family time at Ford Field Park, or simply powering through your active day, you want to be certain your mobility won’t be compromised. Now imagine if walking became painful or if a small cut turned into something much worse. For people managing diabetes, these aren't hypothetical concerns but real possibilities without proper foot care.
At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Alexander Thomas and our compassionate, multilingual team offer diabetic foot care services designed to help you maintain your independence and prevent complications before they start. Learn why choosing us as your partners in better health protects your feet and enhances your quality of life.
How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Diabetes impacts foot health in two critical ways that lead to serious problems if not proactively managed.
Reduced Circulation
Blood flow to your feet decreases because the condition damages small blood vessels. This means even minor injuries heal more slowly. A simple cut that might improve in days for someone without diabetes could take weeks for you—and without proper care, might not heal at all.
Neuropathy
Nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy, affects about half of all individuals with diabetes. This condition causes tingling and pain in your feet, but more dangerously, it reduces sensation. You might not feel a blister forming or notice a cut on your foot, which means injuries can worsen without your knowledge.
This is why seemingly minor foot problems can become serious if you have diabetes, sometimes even leading to foot ulcers or skin infections that might require amputation.
Key Diabetic Warning Signs That Require Attention
Recognizing potential problems early is essential for effective diabetic foot care. Contact Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists right away if you notice:
- Color changes. Redness might indicate infection, while bluish or black areas possibly signal serious circulation problems requiring immediate attention.
- Temperature differences. If one area of your foot feels noticeably warmer than another, this might also be a sign of infection—even if there's no visible wound or pain.
- Unusual swelling. While it’s not uncommon for your feet to swell sometimes, a sudden or asymmetrical reaction could be a symptom of an injury or infection that needs professional evaluation.
- Persistent wounds. Any cut, scratch, or blister that doesn't begin healing within a few days should be examined by Dr. Thomas immediately.
- Foot deformities. Changes in the shape of your foot, including Charcot foot (a serious condition causing foot deformity), require prompt evaluation and treatment.
- New pain. Even if there aren’t visible signs of injury, new or unexplained pain in your feet should never be ignored if you have diabetes.
And if you struggle with neuropathy, you might not notice any pain—even when significant problems exist. So regular professional foot examinations are essential, regardless of whether you're experiencing symptoms.
Dr. Thomas’ Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Care Approach
At Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer personalized diabetic foot care services. Dr. Thomas makes sure to fully listen to your concerns and gain a complete understanding of your health history to extend treatment and preventative solutions specific to your unique needs. Here’s what you can expect in our Metro Detroit-area office.
Thorough Foot Examinations
We perform extensive assessments to identify potential issues before they become serious. These exams include:
- Detailed vascular testing to evaluate blood flow to your feet.
- Sensory testing to determine if neuropathy is affecting your foot sensation.
- Structural evaluations to identify pressure points or foot deformities.
- Visual inspection for early signs of ulcers, calluses, or other skin changes.
Most people intent on being proactive about diabetes management and wellness should have professional foot examinations at least annually, though those with existing foot problems or high-risk factors may need more frequent check-ups.
Preventive Care and Education
Knowledge is power when it comes to diabetic foot care. Our health care professionals provide:
- Personalized foot care plans tailored to your specific risk factors.
- Guidance on proper daily foot inspections and hygiene.
- Advice on appropriate footwear and activity modifications.
- Information about all the warning signs that require immediate action.
Advanced Treatment Options
For patients who develop foot problems despite preventive efforts, we offer:
- State-of-the-art wound care for diabetic foot ulcers.
- Custom orthotics to redistribute pressure and reduce potential injuries.
- Specialized diabetic footwear prescriptions and fittings.
- Advanced treatments for toenail fungus and other skin and nail conditions.
Our Recommendations for Daily Home Care
Dr. Thomas always encourages patients to take an active role in their foot health. As a podiatrist with more than a decade of experience helping people just like you, he’s always eager to share any insight that will help maintain the active lifestyle you love. One of his top recommendations to prevent diabetic foot problems is home care practices like these:
- Inspect daily. Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or nail problems. Use a mirror to see the bottom of your feet, or ask a family member for help if you can't see all areas.
- Wash properly. Bathe your feet in lukewarm, not hot, water. Don't soak your feet as this can dry your skin. Then, dry gently, especially between the toes.
- Moisturize wisely. Apply lotion after washing and drying your feet to keep the skin soft. However, take care not to put lotion between your toes, as excess moisture encourages fungal growth.
- Trim nails carefully. Cut toenails straight across and file the edges. If you have trouble reaching your feet or have thickened nails, schedule professional nail care with our office.
- Never go barefoot. Always wear shoes and socks, even inside your home. This protects your feet from injuries you might not feel.
- Choose appropriate footwear. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and provide good support. Before putting them on, check to make sure the linings are smooth and no objects are hidden inside.