Diabetic Foot Care
Dealing with Diabetic Foot Care In Lees Summit, MO
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that can cause serious health complications if left untreated. It’s important to get your blood sugar under control through medications and a healthy lifestyle. Those with diabetes are also at an increased risk for ulcers, nerve damage, and other foot problems; fortunately, Dr. Jeff Harsch and the team at Foot & Ankle Clinic specialize in diabetic foot care.
Get Diabetes Under Control
The very best way to prevent diabetes-related foot problems from happening to you is to control your blood sugar levels. This can be done by taking the proper insulin medications and leading a healthy lifestyle. It’s also important to monitor and check your blood sugar levels every day to make sure that your medication and lifestyle are effective. Knowing your blood sugar number means that you can keep tabs on when your levels go beyond the normal range, which could mean needing to adjust the dosage of your medication.
Know When to See a Podiatrist
Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, patients with diabetes need to see their podiatrist at least once a year for a thorough examination. By getting regular exams with Dr. Harsch and his team, he can catch problems early on when they are much easier to treat and less likely to lead to more serious complications. We know that those with diabetes are more likely to deal with diabetic ulcers, neuropathy, infections, and other severe foot problems. Even minor injuries, cuts, or issues such as corns or ingrown toenails can quickly turn into a serious infection if left untreated. If you have diabetes it’s important that you come into our office for a checkup if you are dealing with:
- Sores
- Cuts and scrapes
- Blisters, corns, or calluses
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness
- Changes in skin color
- Ingrown toenails
- Warts
- Bunions and hammertoes
Dr. Harsch and his team can provide you with the care you need to prevent serious diabetic issues from happening to you. If you have neuropathy in your feet, or you’re at high risk for developing neuropathy, it’s important that you come in every 2-4 months for evaluations with our team.