Diabetes and Your Feet: Why Proper Foot Care is Essential in Seattle

At The Wellness Firm in Seattle, Dr. Alexis and our dedicated team specialize in preventative foot care, diabetic neuropathy management, and a variety of advanced treatments designed to keep your feet healthy and strong. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing it for years, taking care of your feet is one of the most important things you can do to prevent complications that could affect your quality of life.

Why Are Feet So Vulnerable in Diabetes?

Diabetes can cause significant changes to your body that make your feet particularly susceptible to injury and infection. There are two main factors that contribute to foot complications:

1. Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)

Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage, especially in the feet. This condition is known as peripheral neuropathy, and it causes a loss of sensation in the feet. As a result, you may not feel cuts, blisters, or other injuries, increasing the risk of unnoticed infections. Common symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include:

• Tingling
• Burning sensations
• Numbness
• Sharp pains, often worse at night

When left untreated, nerve damage can progress and lead to a total loss of feeling in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries until they become serious.

2. Poor Circulation (Peripheral Artery Disease – PAD)

Diabetes can also damage blood vessels, reducing circulation to the lower legs and feet. When blood flow is reduced, wounds may take longer to heal, and even minor injuries can become major problems. Without proper blood flow, the affected area doesn’t receive the oxygen and nutrients needed for healing, which can lead to ulcers, infections, and even gangrene in severe cases. Amputation may be necessary if these conditions progress without intervention. Given Seattle’s damp climate, wounds may heal more slowly, making it even more important to monitor and care for your feet regularly.

Common Complications You Should Be Aware Of:

If left untreated, diabetes-related foot issues can escalate quickly and lead to more severe problems. Some of the most common and serious complications include:

• Diabetic Foot Ulcers: These open sores form from pressure, friction, or unnoticed injuries, and they can become infected if left untreated. Ulcers may require treatments such as wound debridement, skin grafts, or advanced dressings to help them heal.
• Charcot Foot: This rare condition occurs when weakened bones in the foot fracture and collapse. It can lead to deformities and joint dislocations. Early symptoms include swelling, warmth, and redness in the foot, which may be mistaken for an infection. Treatment may involve custom orthotics, a walking boot, or, in severe cases, surgery.
• Fungal Infections & Ingrown Toenails: Because diabetes reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, individuals with diabetes are more vulnerable to conditions like athlete’s foot, fungal toenail infections, and bacterial infections caused by ingrown toenails. Regular foot care, such as proper nail trimming and medical-grade pedicures, can help prevent these issues.

Preventative Care: Protecting Your Feet Every Day

The good news is that diabetes-related foot problems can often be avoided with regular preventative care. By incorporating a few simple steps into your daily routine, you can protect your feet and prevent complications from arising:

1. Daily Foot Inspections

Examine your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any changes in the skin. If you have difficulty seeing your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to help with the inspection. Catching problems early can prevent serious complications later on.

2. Proper Foot Hygiene

Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Avoid hot water, which can cause burns. Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, as moisture can contribute to fungal infections. Apply a moisturizing cream to keep your skin soft, but avoid moisturizing between the toes, as this can promote fungal growth.

3. Nail & Skin Care

Trim your nails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Never attempt to remove corns or calluses yourself, as doing so can cause injury and increase your risk of infection. Instead, consider visiting a podiatrist for medical-grade pedicures to safely maintain healthy feet.

4. The Right Footwear

Wear well-fitting, cushioned shoes with a wide toe box to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your feet. Avoid walking barefoot, especially outdoors, as this can expose your feet to injury. If necessary, ask Dr. Alexis about custom orthotics that can help redistribute pressure and provide added comfort.

5. Keep Blood Sugar in Check

Keeping your blood glucose levels within a healthy range is one of the best ways to prevent nerve damage and poor circulation. Dr. Alexis and our team can help you develop a diabetes-friendly lifestyle plan that includes diet, exercise, and consistent glucose monitoring.

6. See a Podiatrist Regularly

Annual diabetic foot exams are essential for early detection of any potential problems. If you notice numbness, persistent pain, slow-healing wounds, or swelling, schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexis at The Wellness Firm as soon as possible.

Advanced Treatments for Diabetic Foot Issues

At The Wellness Firm, we offer a wide range of specialized treatments to help manage diabetic foot complications, focusing on services that not only support your health but are also designed to benefit you financially:

• Custom Orthotics: These specialized inserts are designed to relieve pressure points, improve gait, and prevent foot ulcers. Our custom orthotics are specifically tailored to meet the needs of each patient, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. Custom orthotics are a key treatment at our clinic, and they are covered by most insurance plans when medically necessary.
• Neuropathy Management & Nerve Stimulation: To alleviate pain, improve sensation, and restore foot function, we offer nerve stimulation therapy, which is ideal for patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy. This therapy works by stimulating the nerves to improve circulation and reduce discomfort, helping to manage symptoms before they progress.
• Foot Ulcer Care & Wound Healing: We offer advanced wound care treatments, including wound debridement, dressings, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to promote faster healing of diabetic foot ulcers. These services are crucial for preventing infection and managing complications, and are an essential part of the treatment options we provide.
• Amputation Prevention: Early intervention is crucial for preventing severe complications, including amputations. Through early detection, infection control, and surgical options when necessary, we work to preserve foot function and reduce the need for amputations. These services are covered by most insurances, making it easier for patients to access the care they need without financial stress.
• Medical-Grade Pedicures & Nail Care: Regular foot care, including professional nail trimming and medical-grade pedicures, is critical in preventing infections, ingrown toenails, and other issues that can arise from diabetes. We offer comprehensive care that goes beyond what you can do at home, reducing the risk of injury and infection.

Take Action: Protect Your Feet for a Lifetime

Your feet play a critical role in your overall well-being—treat them with the care and attention they deserve. Prevention is always easier than treatment, and with diabetes, taking proactive steps to maintain healthy feet can help you avoid serious complications. Don’t wait for a problem to arise—schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexis at The Wellness Firm in Seattle today.

We’re here to provide everything from preventative foot care to advanced treatments to help you walk confidently, every step of the way. Whether you’re located in West Seattle, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, or beyond, we are proud to offer Seattle residents the most comprehensive podiatric care available.

Call us today at 206-707-9112 to schedule your consultation! Or, conveniently book your appointment below.