Diabetes is challenging. Worrying about your glucose levels, diet, exercise and general health each and every day can take a toll on even the strongest person. (Please link to diabetes PA page, not yet loaded) Life can seem very complicated; but, foot problems can complicate life even more.

Foot complications that can arise from diabetes include:

  • Painful neuropathy
  • Amputation
  • Painful and difficult walking
  • Change in vision
  • Loss of fat for foot cushioning and protection


As with any other physical problem, the more you know about it, the better off you are. When you experience foot problems while  my elderly mother is consuming my life as a result of diabetes, knowing when to see a doctor is important.

In general, you need a reputable podiatrist as a member of your Philadelphia health care team. By doing this, you can avoid many potential future problems. Whether or not you currently have a foot doc, you should know when to call for medical attention.

Signs that you need medical foot care within two to four days include:

  • Any cut, bruise or other trauma to your foot
  • Swelling, warmth, numbness, or itching
  • Pain in the foot or leg
  • Ingrown toenails
  • Corns or calluses
  • Trouble walking
  • Constant itching
  • Unusual numbness or pain
  • A temperature slightly higher than 98.6


Signs that you need immediate medical care include:

  • Severe pain can mean that your foot and/or ankle nerves are damaged (neuropathy), the blood circulation is very poor or an advanced infection is present.
  • Foot injuries that involve puncture wounds, cuts that bleed a lot or wounds more than one inch across should be cleaned and repaired by a professional without delay.
  • Redness and/or red streaks can indicate a serious infection that is spreading. Get this attended to immediately.
  • When you already have a leg or foot injury or ulcer, confusion can be a sign of overly elevated or very low blood sugars. This is a common symptom of infection too and can be life-threatening.
  • Fever can mean infection and should also be taken seriously. A fever of 101.5 or higher combined with any swelling, warmth, redness, wound or ulcer can be very serious for the diabetic.
     

Don’t take chances if you have any of these symptoms. Diabetes can be controlled, but you must be pro-active in your care. See a doctor; you control your own destiny.

The professional Philadelphia foot care team at Healthmark Foot and Ankle Associates has been caring for people like you for over 25 years. We have three board certified podiatrists and two convenient offices to meet your Philadelphia foot care needs. Call us today at one of our two tri-state locations: Media 610-565-3668, or Phoenixville 610-933-8644.