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Diabetic foot care encompasses diagnosing and treating common diabetes-related foot problems, like diabetic ulcers and other slow-healing wounds. At Feet First Institute of Beavercreek in Beavercreek, Ohio, experienced podiatrist Stephan Giambi, DPM, offers diabetic foot care services, including wound debridement, ulcer treatment, and wound dressings. Call Feet First Institute of Beavercreek today to schedule a diabetic foot care appointment, or book online.
What is diabetic foot care?
Diabetic foot care is a podiatry subspecialty focused on preventing diabetes-related complications in the feet.
Diabetes is a group of chronic conditions affecting the body’s ability to use blood sugar (glucose). It slows circulation to the lower extremities, increasing the risk of foot problems like diabetic ulcers, infection, and gangrene (tissue death).
Who can benefit from diabetic foot care?
Anyone with diabetes can benefit from diabetic foot care. If you have diabetes, visiting Feet First Institute of Beavercreek at least once annually is essential. Routine checkups with Dr. Giambi can alert you to diabetes-related complications and preserve your mobility.
More frequent visits might be necessary if you have:
- Cuts, ulcers, or blisters that don’t heal
- Dry, cracked skin
- Corns and calluses
- Fungal infections, like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus
- Ingrown toenails
- Bunions
These issues often exacerbate diabetes-related foot problems, so prompt treatment is crucial.
What happens during a diabetic foot care appointment?
Dr. Giambi reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms and diabetes history. He completes a podiatry exam, checking your feet, lower legs, and toes for discoloration and open wounds. He also uses tools to check your feet and toes for numbness or tingling.
If you have an open wound, Dr. Giambi collects a tissue sample to send to a lab for analysis. He also orders X-rays to see if the infection extends beneath the skin and check for other problems.
What does diabetic foot care involve?
At Feet First Institute of Beavercreek, Dr. Giambi takes a conservative and integrative approach to diabetic foot care. Most folks with diabetes can prevent foot problems by inspecting their feet daily, keeping their toenails trimmed, and wearing socks and shoes that fit well.
If you have a diabetic ulcer or any slow-healing wound, Dr. Giambi makes personalized wound care recommendations. He could suggest:
- Cleaning the wound
- Wound debridement (removing dead and infected tissue)
- Draining fluid or pus from the wound
- Applying special bandages (wound dressings) to promote healing
- Prescribing oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics to stop the infection
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Most people benefit from several of these treatments. Dr. Giambi monitors your progress at regular checkups and adjusts your care as needed.
Call Feet First Institute of Beavercreek today to schedule diabetic foot care or book your appointment online.