How often should I perform diabetic foot checks?
Most individuals with diabetes can prevent serious foot, ankle, or lower limb complications with daily diabetic foot checks.
Begin taking care of your feet before it's too late. When checking your feet, look for bruises, cuts, scrapes, blisters, swelling, and even changes in color and temperature. If you can't reach your own feet, have a loved one help you or make an appointment to have your feet examined by Dr. Michael Stein or Zeindelin Ahmad, DPM of Foot Doctor of the East Bay.
Set a time to check your feet every day by making self-examinations a part of your daily routine. In addition, your podiatrist should take a look at your feet at least once a year—more often if you have foot problems.
For further information, contact the experts at Foot Doctor of the East Bay in California. If you have diabetes, you're prone to developing foot conditions. We'll work to prevent future complications. Call our office at (510) 483-3390, or schedule your appointment online today!
When should I seek medical attention for diabetic wounds?
Call for an appointment at Foot Doctor of the East Bay immediately if you discover a cut, discoloration of any sort, oozing, or other signs of infection. A swollen area on the foot (or swelling of the whole foot) can also be a sign of trouble. Remember that seemingly harmless blisters, corns, or calluses can provide an opening for infection as well. Early intervention reduces that likelihood and increases your chances of maintaining your foot health.
Diabetes often reduces the ability of the body to fight bacterial invasions. Any delay in treatment is a strike against you. It doesn’t take long for a small, easy-to-treat abrasion to turn into a life-altering infection that requires drastic action such as an amputation.
Call one of the three convenient locations of Dr. Michael Stein and Dr. Zeindelin Ahmad today to receive expert care for diabetic wounds. Same-day appointments are often available. Be sure to let our office staff know the serious nature of your call.
Why is wound care important for people with diabetes?
Diabetes can negatively affect the feet in many ways, and wound care is a key component of maintaining good foot health. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and slower healing times due to reduced blood flow. Over time, loss of feeling may result in injuries going unnoticed and untreated. Once an infection begins, it can be very difficult to stop. In some cases, amputation may be necessary.
To avoid drastic treatment measures, foot self-exams at home and expert podiatric care are necessary. They provide a one-two punch against this disease.
As soon as an ulcer is discovered, call us. We often have same-day appointments available, and time is of the essence. Dr. Michael Stein and Dr. Zeindelin Ahmad will determine the best treatment for your ulcer and ensure that you are properly prepared to follow home treatment steps. Call the Pleasanton, CA, office, the San Leandro, CA, office, or the Los Gatos, CA, office today!
How do I treat a puncture wound?
Whether your foot has been punctured by a rusty nail or you've stepped on a broken piece of glass, treating a puncture wound can be done by following these steps:
- Stop bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
- With soap and water, clean the wound. In case of the presence of debris, use tweezers to remove the particles. Clean the tweezers with alcohol first.
- Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment.
- Dress the sore with a bandage to keep it clean and away from bacterial surfaces.
- Change the dressing once a day, or more often if the bandage becomes wet or dirty.
- Keep an eye out for signs of infection. If the wound doesn't appear to be healing, or if you notice redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage, contact your podiatrist.
Puncture wounds don't typically cause excessive bleeding but if your wound won't stop bleeding, if it was caused by something rusty, or if you were bitten by an animal, contact one of our offices right away. An appointment with the Foot Doctor of the East Bay can be made in Pleasanton, Los Gatos, or San Leandro by calling (510) 483-3390.
