Diabetic Foot Care

Why Diabetic Foot Care Is So Critical

Diabetes can affect your feet in several serious ways:

• Nerve damage (neuropathy) — Reduced sensation can make it hard to feel cuts, blisters, or pressure before damage becomes serious.

• Poor circulation (vascular issues) — Slower healing, greater risk of infection. Small injuries may persist or worsen.

• Structural and biomechanical changes — Foot deformities, calluses, thickened skin, or joint stiffness (such as hammertoes or claw toes) increase pressure in vulnerable areas.

• Risk of ulceration and infection — These can lead to serious, even limb-threatening issues. The good news: many complications are preventable with proper care.

What We Offer at California Podiatry Associates

We combine deep podiatric expertise, modern tools, and individualized care to help you avoid diabetic foot issues and to treat them effectively when they arise.

1. Thorough, Regular Foot Exams

• Annual comprehensive foot evaluations (or more frequent if you’re higher risk) to assess:

  • Sensation (nerve function)

  • Vascular status (blood flow)

  • Skin condition (calluses, nails, moisture, integrity)

  • Foot structure and biomechanics (arch, deformities, alignment)

  • Any existing wounds or risk areas.

• Use of tools like monofilaments, tuning forks, Doppler ultrasound as needed.

• Early detection is key. Many diabetic foot issues begin without noticeable symptoms.

2. Advanced Wound & Ulcer Care

• Prompt diagnosis and treatment for cuts, blisters, ulcers, and non-healing wounds.

• Debridement (removal of dead tissue), infection control, moisture-balanced dressings.

• Off-loading techniques (special braces, therapeutic footwear) to reduce pressure on wounded areas.

3. Prevention & Education

• Guidance on daily foot care: washing, drying (especially between toes), moisturizing, and nail care.

• Tips for footwear: properly fitting shoes, diabetic socks, and avoiding tight, ill-fitting or open-toed shoes that can create pressure points.

• Education about what signs to watch out for: redness, swelling, warmth, blisters, or changes in skin or toenails.

4. Custom Orthotics & Therapeutic Footwear

• When needed, we provide custom orthotics to support your foot’s biomechanical structure, distribute pressure, and reduce risk of callus formation or ulceration.

• Therapeutic shoes or special modifications to make everyday footwear safer and more comfortable.

5. Multidisciplinary & Long-Term Monitoring

• We don’t just treat the foot — we consider the whole person: blood sugar control, vascular health, and systemic conditions.

• Coordination with your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and when necessary, vascular specialists or wound care teams.

• Regular follow-ups to monitor healing, adjust treatment, and prevent recurrence.

Who Needs Diabetic Foot Care Services?

You may be at risk or in need of specialized diabetic foot care if you have:

• Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)

• Signs of neuropathy (numbness, tingling, burning)

• Poor circulation or vascular disease

• Existing foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, high arches)

• Thick calluses, cracked skin, or ingrown toenails

• A history of foot wounds, ulcers, or infection

• Difficulty with footwear comfort

Even if you don’t yet have symptoms, if you have diabetes, routine foot exams and preventive care are wise. Early detection and intervention can make a big difference.

What to Expect: The Care Process

Here’s how we help you heal, protect, and maintain diabetic foot health:

1. Initial Consultation & Risk Assessment
   We review your overall medical history, blood sugar status, lifestyle, and existing foot problems.

2. Detailed Foot Examination
   Checking nerves, circulation, structure, skin, and nail health. Using examination tools and imaging or vascular testing if needed.

3. Treatment Plan Development
   Based on risk level and findings, we create a personalized plan. This may include wound care, orthotics or therapeutic footwear, skin and nail treatment, and lifestyle adjustments.

4. Interventions & Therapies

   • Debridement and dressing for wounds

   • Off-loading and pressure redistribution

   • Custom orthotics

   • Footwear modifications

   • Skin & nail care (trimming, treating fungal or ingrown nails)

5. Ongoing Support & Follow-Ups
   We schedule regular check-ins to ensure healing, adapt treatments if needed, and prevent new issues.

6. Patient Education
   Empowering you with knowledge about self-care, daily inspections, and how to respond at early signs of trouble.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How often should I have a foot exam?
At least once a year if you have diabetes and no complications. More often (every 3-6 months) if you have neuropathy, vascular issues, or past ulcers.

What are warning signs I shouldn’t ignore?
Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, blisters, cuts or sores that won’t heal, changes in skin color or texture, numbness, or tingling.

Can diabetic foot care help prevent amputations?
Yes. Many serious complications — even amputations — can be avoided with early detection, regular exams, proper treatment, and patient compliance.

Is special footwear or orthotics covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Often, therapeutic shoes or inserts are partially or fully covered if prescribed by a podiatrist. We can help verify benefits.

How do I care for my feet daily?

• Wash gently in warm (not hot) water, and dry thoroughly, especially between toes.

• Moisturize skin (avoiding between toes).

• Trim nails straight across.

• Wear well-fitting shoes and socks; don’t go barefoot.

• Check feet daily for any change.

Why California Podiatry Associates Is Your Best Choice

• Expert Podiatrists: Board-certified, fellowship-trained, experienced with diabetic foot issues and wound care.

• State-of-the-Art Diagnostics & Treatment: From vascular tests and digital scans to high-quality wound care, orthotics, and footwear solutions.

• Comprehensive, Holistic Care: We address not only your foot symptoms, but your systemic health, biomechanics, and prevention.

• Compassion & Patient-Centered Approach: We understand managing diabetes is ongoing; we partner with you to make care accessible, understandable, and tailored.

Begin Your Diabetic Foot Care Journey

Don’t wait for symptoms to become serious. Early intervention can make a huge difference. At California Podiatry Associates, we are here to help preserve your mobility, protect against long-term complications, and keep you walking confidently.