Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that affects how the body regulates blood glucose levels and can lead to several complications that impact foot health. Over time, diabetes may cause nerve-related damage known as neuropathy, which reduces sensation in the feet and makes it difficult to detect injuries. Skin-related changes , including dryness, cracking, and thickened calluses that increase pressure on certain areas of the foot, may also develop. Poor circulation and reduced healing ability may allow minor irritation to progress into more serious wounds. A podiatrist can help monitor foot health, safely manage calluses, evaluate circulation, and provide guidance on proper foot care. If you have diabetes and foot concerns arise, it is strongly suggested that you care under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Long-standing high blood sugar can injure the small nerves in the feet, leading to reduced feeling or complete numbness. This nerve-related damage makes it difficult to notice cuts, blisters, or pressure sores. Without normal sensation, minor injuries may worsen before they are discovered. At the same time, circulation problems can slow healing and increase infection risk. Diabetic foot syndrome refers to a combination of nerve loss, poor blood flow, and skin breakdown that can lead to deep wounds or even bone infection. Dry skin, callus build-up, and foot-shape changes may add further pressure to vulnerable areas. What begins as a small sore can quickly progress without proper care. Daily foot checks, blood-sugar control, and wearing well-fitting shoes are critical protective steps. Early medical attention reduces the risk of serious complications. If you have diabetes and notice numbness, tingling, color changes, or a slow-healing sore on your foot, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Friction blisters form when repeated rubbing causes the top layers of skin to separate and fill with fluid. They often develop on the heels, toes, or sides of the feet, especially during walking, exercise, or long periods in new or poorly fitting shoes. Moisture from sweat increases friction, making blisters more likely. At first, a hot or burning feeling may be noticed before a visible bubble appears. While small blisters may heal on their own, larger or broken blisters can become painful and infected. Wearing proper footwear, moisture control, and protective padding can help prevent them. Blisters should not be ignored, particularly in people with diabetes or poor circulation. If a blister becomes red, drains, or does not heal, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for evaluation and safe treatment.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact David K. Morris, DPM of Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A vascular exam allows a podiatrist to assess how well blood is flowing to the feet and ankles. The exam often begins with observation of skin color, temperature, swelling, and changes in hair or nail growth that may signal reduced circulation. Pulses on the top of the foot and near the ankle are gently felt to evaluate arterial flow. The podiatrist gently presses on the skin of the toes to observe how quickly normal color returns, which reflects small vessel function. In some cases, a handheld device is used to listen to blood flow more clearly. These findings help identify circulation concerns that may affect healing, nerve health, or skin integrity. Vascular assessment is especially important for individuals with diabetes, wounds, leg pain, or slow-healing sores. If changes in foot color, temperature, or healing are noticed, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for further evaluation and appropriate care.

Vascular testing plays an important part in diagnosing disease like peripheral artery disease. If you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, or diabetes, consult with David K. Morris, DPM from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Vascular Testing?

Vascular testing checks for how well blood circulation is in the veins and arteries. This is most often done to determine and treat a patient for peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke, and aneurysms. Podiatrists utilize vascular testing when a patient has symptoms of PAD or if they believe they might. If a patient has diabetes, a podiatrist may determine a vascular test to be prudent to check for poor blood circulation.

How Is it Conducted?

Most forms of vascular testing are non-invasive. Podiatrists will first conduct a visual inspection for any wounds, discoloration, and any abnormal signs prior to a vascular test.

 The most common tests include:

• Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) examination
• Doppler examination
• Pedal pulses

These tests are safe, painless, and easy to do. Once finished, the podiatrist can then provide a diagnosis and the best course for treatment.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Plantation, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.