Diabetic Foot Care

Buy shoes late in the day. Never buy shoes that need "breaking in." They should be immediately comfortable. Request shoes with deep toe boxes and made of leather upper material. Do not wear new shoes more than two hours at a time. Rotate your shoes. Do not wear the same ones every day.
Contact our office immediately if you experience any injury to your foot. Even a minor injury is an emergency for a patient with diabetes.
Do not file down, remove or shave calluses or corns yourself.
DO NOT SMOKE. It decreases the blood supply to your feet.
Ask about soaking your feet.
Do not trim your own toenails.
Do not use any chemicals or strong antiseptic solutions on your feet. Iodine, salicylic acid, corn/callus removers are dangerous. Do not wear stockings or socks with tight elastic backs and do not use garters.
Do not wear any socks with holes. Always wear shoes with socks.
Don't use any tape or sticky products such as corn plasters on your feet. They can rip your skin.
Examine your feet daily for redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems from shoes or other sources. Look at the bottoms and between toes. Use a mirror or have someone else look for you. Examine your shoes for foreign objects, protruding nails and rough spots inside before putting them on.
If the circulation in your feet is impaired, contact our office.
In the winter, wear warm socks and protective footwear. Avoid getting your feet wet in the snow and rain and avoid letting your toes get cold.
Keep feet away from heat (heating pads, hot water pads, electric blankets, radiators, fireplaces). You can burn your feet without knowing it. Water temperature should be less than 92 degrees. Estimate with your elbow or bath thermometer (you can get one in any store that sells infant products).
Lubricate your entire foot if your skin is dry, but avoid putting cream between toes.
NEVER walk barefoot, neither indoors nor out.
Never wear sandals or thongs.

Proper foot care is vital for people diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetic patients are prone to a number of serious foot related conditions:

Poor circulation from Peripheral Vascular Disease
Neuropathy (loss of feeling in the feet)
Changes in the foot shape
Foot ulcers or sores that do not heal

These conditions put diabetics at a much greater risk of serious problems which, if left untreated, can even lead to amputation. An experienced podiatrist is an essential part of the healthcare team for prevention and prompt treatment of foot and ankle concerns.

Our two clinics have over 10 years of expertise in diabetic foot health. Thousands of diabetic patients rely on us for the complete range of care. We assess each patient’s risk and offer guidance on proper daily self-help measures. We supply routine care to prevent complications. If problems arise due to wounds or infections, we provide specialized treatment with the most effective, proven medications. As podiatric physician, our medical training includes intensive education for diabetic limb preservation. The primary goal is early diagnosis and treatment of problems in order to keep patients healthy and active.

Downtown Podiatry Clinic’s Diabetic Foot Care Program includes:

Routine nail care
Regular foot inspections
Patient education
Prompt treatment
Surgical care when needed

We also provide:

Peripheral Vascular Disease Screening

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) involves a narrowing of vessels that carry blood to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys due to a build-up of fatty deposits. Because this condition leads to poor circulation which puts the patient at greater risk of heart attack or stroke, early detection is important.

PVD often presents symptoms first in the feet and ankles with pain, swelling, discoloration or ulcers. To aid in early diagnosis, vascular studies are provided on-site in our offices by a trained vascular technician. The study involves an ultrasound examination of arterial blood flow primarily in the legs and feet. Blockage and/or hardening of the arteries are also checked.

Study results are read by a vascular surgeon. If indicated, the physician refers the patient to a vascular specialist. Treatment often involves lifestyle changes and/or medication.

Orthopedic Footwear

Custom made, orthopedic footwear can often prevent diabetic foot related complications. These specially designed shoes relieve areas of pressure that may lead to breakdown of the skin and create ulcers. They cushion and stabilize the foot to relieve pain and create greater stability when walking.

Custom Orthotics

Orthotics, or shoe inserts, are removable insoles which provide pressure relief and shock absorption. Both pre-made and custom orthotics are commonly prescribed for patients with diabetes. For patients choosing or requiring custom inserts, our clinical staff accurately measures the patient and orders the inserts. This convenient process allows patients to quickly experience pain relief and greater comfort during daily activities.


	Diabetic Foot Care Buy shoes late in the day. Never buy shoes that need "breaking in." They should be immediately comfortable. Request shoes with deep toe boxes and made of leather upper material. Do not wear new shoes more than two hours at a time. Rotate your shoes. Do not wear the same ones every day. Contact our office immediately if you experience any injury to your foot. Even a minor injury is an emergency for a patient with diabetes. Do not file down, remove or shave calluses or corns yourself. DO NOT SMOKE. It decreases the blood supply to your feet. Ask about soaking your feet. Do not trim your own toenails. Do not use any chemicals or strong antiseptic solutions on your feet. Iodine, salicylic acid, corn/callus removers are dangerous. Do not wear stockings or socks with tight elastic backs and do not use garters. Do not wear any socks with holes. Always wear shoes with socks. Don't use any tape or sticky products such as corn plasters on your feet. They can rip your skin. Examine your feet daily for redness, warmth, blisters, ulcers, scratches, cuts and nail problems from shoes or other sources. Look at the bottoms and between toes. Use a mirror or have someone else look for you. Examine your shoes for foreign objects, protruding nails and rough spots inside before putting them on. If the circulation in your feet is impaired, contact our office. In the winter, wear warm socks and protective footwear. Avoid getting your feet wet in the snow and rain and avoid letting your toes get cold. Keep feet away from heat (heating pads, hot water pads, electric blankets, radiators, fireplaces). You can burn your feet without knowing it. Water temperature should be less than 92 degrees. Estimate with your elbow or bath thermometer (you can get one in any store that sells infant products). Lubricate your entire foot if your skin is dry, but avoid putting cream between toes. NEVER walk barefoot, neither indoors nor out. Never wear sandals or thongs. Proper foot care is vital for people diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetic patients are prone to a number of serious foot related conditions: Poor circulation from Peripheral Vascular Disease Neuropathy (loss of feeling in the feet) Changes in the foot shape Foot ulcers or sores that do not heal These conditions put diabetics at a much greater risk of serious problems which, if left untreated, can even lead to amputation. An experienced podiatrist is an essential part of the healthcare team for prevention and prompt treatment of foot and ankle concerns. Our two clinics have over 10 years of expertise in diabetic foot health. Thousands of diabetic patients rely on us for the complete range of care. We assess each patient’s risk and offer guidance on proper daily self-help measures. We supply routine care to prevent complications. If problems arise due to wounds or infections, we provide specialized treatment with the most effective, proven medications. As podiatric physician, our medical training includes intensive education for diabetic limb preservation. The primary goal is early diagnosis and treatment of problems in order to keep patients healthy and active. Downtown Podiatry Clinic’s Diabetic Foot Care Program includes: Routine nail care Regular foot inspections Patient education Prompt treatment Surgical care when needed We also provide: Peripheral Vascular Disease Screening Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) involves a narrowing of vessels that carry blood to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys due to a build-up of fatty deposits. Because this condition leads to poor circulation which puts the patient at greater risk of heart attack or stroke, early detection is important. PVD often presents symptoms first in the feet and ankles with pain, swelling, discoloration or ulcers. To aid in early diagnosis, vascular studies are provided on-site in our offices by a trained vascular technician. The study involves an ultrasound examination of arterial blood flow primarily in the legs and feet. Blockage and/or hardening of the arteries are also checked. Study results are read by a vascular surgeon. If indicated, the physician refers the patient to a vascular specialist. Treatment often involves lifestyle changes and/or medication. Orthopedic Footwear Custom made, orthopedic footwear can often prevent diabetic foot related complications. These specially designed shoes relieve areas of pressure that may lead to breakdown of the skin and create ulcers. They cushion and stabilize the foot to relieve pain and create greater stability when walking. Custom Orthotics Orthotics, or shoe inserts, are removable insoles which provide pressure relief and shock absorption. Both pre-made and custom orthotics are commonly prescribed for patients with diabetes. For patients choosing or requiring custom inserts, our clinical staff accurately measures the patient and orders the inserts. This convenient process allows patients to quickly experience pain relief and greater comfort during daily activities.