Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam Specialist

What is a comprehensive diabetic foot exam?

A comprehensive diabetic foot exam is an evaluation to screen your feet for any diabetic foot problems. For people with diabetes, early detection and treatment is key to preventing serious complications like infection or amputation. 

A comprehensive diabetic foot exam allows your doctor to identify any issues before they become major problems and helps you develop ways to safeguard your foot health.

Why do I need a comprehensive diabetic foot exam?

Having diabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing several foot health issues. In addition to affecting how your body metabolizes sugar, diabetes also causes complications like neuropathy and poor circulation. 

Neuropathy and poor circulation are the most common causes of diabetic foot problems. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that causes numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in your legs and feet. Also known as diabetic neuropathy, this condition can prevent you from noticing foot injuries like cuts, blisters, or even broken bones. 

Without treatment, your injury worsens, leading to an open, slow-healing wound (diabetic ulcer). 

Poor circulation

Diabetes also reduces blood flow to your legs and feet, impairing your body’s ability to heal itself and fight off infections. Many people with diabetes experience neuropathy and poor circulation at the same time, leaving them at serious risk of infection. 

For people with diabetes, an infection can quickly become a significant problem leading to gangrene (death of tissue). Once gangrene sets in, you may require amputation to prevent your condition from worsening and save your life. 

What should I expect during my diabetic foot exam?

Your podiatrist first discusses your general health as well as any problems you’ve noticed with your feet. They also check your shoes and ask you questions about your footwear. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause issues like blisters, ingrown toenails, or calluses, posing a significant threat to your foot health. 

Your podiatrist then performs a physical exam checking your feet for skin problems, deformities, and other abnormalities. Your podiatrist also performs a neurological assessment to check your feet for signs of neuropathy. 

In some cases, your doctor may perform additional tests like an ultrasound to see how well blood is circulating in your feet. After the evaluation, your doctor works with you to determine the best ways to improve and maintain your foot health. 

A comprehensive diabetic foot exam is the best way to reduce your risk of serious foot health problems. To learn more, call South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers or book your appointment online today.