If you have diabetes, caring for your feet is incredibly important. Many diabetic foot problems start out small, but they can worsen without treatment by a foot surgeon. Over time, these foot problems can lead to amputations or even become life-threatening. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we strive to help our diabetic patients stay healthy through early detection and intervention.
Today, advanced therapies are available for diabetic foot problems. The team at Best Foot Doctor NY in Queens, NY uses the latest techniques to bring you effective, minimally invasive relief. In this article, we’ll explore two common diabetic foot problems: foot ulcers and arthritis in the big toe. You’ll also learn more about your treatment options for these common conditions.
Identifying and Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common complications in patients who don’t have optimal glucose control. But why are they so common?
Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic ulcers tend to form for a couple of reasons:
- Patients with neuropathy are unable to feel when their feet are injured or blistered
- Patients develop decreased circulation in their feet due to high blood glucose, so small injuries fail to heal
Everyone is at risk for common foot injuries, like blisters from poorly fitting shoes or splinters from walking barefoot outdoors. The difference is that diabetic patients may not be aware of these injuries or may be unable to heal at a normal pace. Over time, a diabetic ulcer develops as infection sets in. However, early detection by a diabetic foot doctor can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Do I Have a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
Your foot surgeon can often diagnose a diabetic foot ulcer just by looking at it. It may look like a depression in the skin that’s reddened and surrounded by a ring of thickened skin. However, your diabetic foot doctor may also use other diagnostic tools. X-rays can help your doctor determine whether your internal foot structure contributes to your ulcer. For instance, if your bones are not correctly aligned, your foot may be more vulnerable to rubbing and chafing injuries.
Foot X-rays and MRI Podiatric Diagnostics in Queens, NYC
Advanced Therapies for Diabetic Foot Ulcers | NYC Foot Surgeon
Treatment often involves multiple healthcare professionals, including your endocrinologist and NYC podiatrist. Our patients at Best Foot Doctor NY receive care from the best foot doctors in New York. Therapies may involve:
- Wound debridement
- Specially designed casts
- Topical treatments
- Negative-pressure therapy
- Hyperbaric oxygen
There are many other treatment options available. If you’re suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer in Queens, NY, your NYC podiatrist can help determine the therapies that will work best for you.
Understanding and Treating Diabetes-related Arthritis In Feet
Arthritis is more common in diabetic patients’ feet, particularly their big toes. What’s the relationship between these two conditions?
Why Diabetic Patients Are Prone to Arthritis of the Big Toe
Diabetes causes nerve damage, which can lead to numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in your feet. When nerve damage affects your joints, they can deteriorate, causing pain and deformity in your foot. This condition is known as Charcot foot, and it can lead to severe infections and amputations.
In some cases, diabetes and arthritis are associated with obesity, advanced age, and limited mobility. This connection is another reason diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from arthritis, especially in their big toe. Unfortunately, a swollen, arthritic big toe can contribute to the development of a diabetic ulcer.
Surgical Treatment of Arthritic Big Toe | Best Foot Doctor NY Foot Surgeon
The foot surgeons at Best Foot Doctor NY offer minimally invasive treatments to address arthritis of the big toe. There are many treatment options available, but some include:
- Debridement, in which a foot surgeon cleans out pieces of tissue that are contributing to your arthritis
- Fusion of your toe or foot bones to make movement easier
- Implants to reduce pain and improve mobility
Treatment of arthritis in diabetic patients is often highly individualized. Your NYC podiatrist may also discuss non-surgical treatment options with you if the situation warrants.
Looking For A Diabetic Foot Surgeon in Queens, NY?
To work with the best podiatrists in NYC, make an appointment at Best Foot Doctor NY. Call Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov today at (718) 291 9020 to get scheduled!