Would you like to avoid serious diabetic complications due to foot infections? Diabetic foot care offered by your Woodbridge, VA, podiatrist, Dr. Gerard Ranieri of Lake Ridge Podiatry, will help you keep your feet healthy.

Why is foot care so important when you have diabetes?

High blood sugar can slow the amount of time it takes for a burst blister or a sore on your foot to heal. Although cuts and scratches may have seemed like minor issues before you had diabetes, even minor injuries can quickly become infected now. Once an infection develops in a sore or cut, it may be very difficult to treat. If you have a severe infection that doesn't respond to antibiotics, it might even be necessary to amputate your foot or leg.

Nerve damage, a problem that can occur in people who have diabetes, affects your ability to feel your feet. You may have an ulcer or a blister and not even realize that there's a problem. Unfortunately, once you do notice the issue, you may already have an infection. Diabetic foot care, both at home and at the Woodbridge, VA, podiatry office, will help you avoid complications that can threaten your health.

What should I look for during self-foot exams?

Examine your feet every day and check for:

• Blisters and burst blisters
• Red marks that could indicate that your shoes are too tight
• Ingrown toenails
• Toenail fungus
• Corns and calluses
• Sores and cuts
• Change in the color or sensation in your foot

If you notice that you have a blister or a red mark, switch to a different pair of shoes. Orthotics, prescription shoe inserts designed by your foot doctor, reduce pressure on your feet and help you avoid blisters.

When should I call the podiatrist?

Call the foot doctor if you notice:

• Signs of infections, including fever, pus on a wound, warmth or swelling around the injured area, or streaks surrounding a sore, ulcer or cut,
• Numbness or tingling in your feet
• An unusually warm or cold feeling in your feet
• An ingrown toenail
• Toenail fungus
• Blue, black or very white skin

Do you need to make an appointment for diabetic foot care services at Lake Ridge Podiatry? Call your podiatrist in Woodbridge, VA, Dr, Ranieri, at (703) 491-2603 to schedule your visit.