One of the symptoms that diabetics have to live with day in and day out is numbness and pain of the feet. Everyone experiences different symptoms and at different levels, but as soon as diabetic neuropathy takes hold, it can be difficult to come back from it. This is why regular visits to a podiatrist in Needham, MA, are so important. Dr. Michael Mitry and Dr. Christopher Karter at the Advanced Podiatry of Needham are both happy to see you.
How Often Should a Diabetic See a Podiatrist?
As a diabetic, you are at a higher risk of developing foot problems. This is why it is so important to visit a podiatrist and get diabetic foot assessments regularly. However, the frequency of your visits will vary based on the type of diabetes you have.
For example, if you have Type 1 diabetes, you will need to visit the podiatrist every six months. If you have Type 2 diabetes, you aren’t quite as high of a risk and can usually get by with an annual checkup. Of course, these are just general guidelines, and your podiatrist in Needham, MA, may put you a different frequency schedule based on your individual situation.
What Happens During a Diabetic Foot Assessment?
When you visit your podiatrist for a routine checkup, they will perform what is called a diabetic foot assessment. This is to determine the current condition of your feet.
You can expect for the podiatrist to check the blood flow to your feet. This is done by recording the pulse rate in a couple of different places. If there is reduced blood flow, an ultrasound may be performed. In addition, the sensitivity of your feet will be checked. With your eyes closed, you will need to identify different sensations, such as hot, cold, blunt, or sharp. This is to determine the condition of your nerves, as diabetes can damage them.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Local Podiatrist in Needham, MA
Staying on top of foot care and routine visits for assessments can prevent many diabetic-related issues with your feet. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call your Needham, MA, podiatrist at (781) 444-4044 to schedule an appointment with either Dr. Mitry or Dr. Karter. Let the team at Advanced Podiatry of Needham take care of you.