Diabetes affects how the body manages blood sugar. This condition places the feet at risk for long-term complications; a foot and ankle specialist detects and treats problems before they progress. Complications can start in the feet without recognizable symptoms because nerve damage reduces sensation, and regular examinations support early detection while treatment options remain broad.
Recognizing Diabetes Foot Risks
People with diabetes face several foot conditions that a foot and ankle specialist screens for during examinations. These include neuropathy, or nerve damage; arthropathy, or joint damage; and vasculopathy, or blood vessel damage. Nearly half of people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy have no symptoms, so injuries develop in areas where feeling is lost while preventive care helps identify problems earlier. The risk affects many people with diabetes; published statistics illustrate its scope.
Certain statistics illustrate the scope of these risks. About 12% of people with diabetes develop diabetic foot ulcers during their lifetime; there were 4.9 lower-extremity amputations per 1,000 adults diagnosed with diabetes in 2016 because these complications remain a significant concern for foot health.
Scheduling Comprehensive Foot Exams
A yearly comprehensive foot exam forms the foundation of preventive care. The examination assesses pulses, sensation, foot structure, foot function and nails, and it provides a baseline for future evaluations. People who have difficulty managing blood sugar or blood pressure benefit from examinations every three to six months because those visits identify changes sooner; the specialist can address concerns before a small issue becomes a wound.
Patients also support foot care between appointments. Daily self-checks reveal early warning signs; proper footwear helps reduce the risk of foot ulcers while routine professional examinations monitor overall foot health. Warning signs include tingling, burning, or numbness; puncture wounds, ulcers, or redness; new pain; corns or calluses; and changes in foot shape or swelling, and these findings warrant prompt evaluation.
Treating Related Tendon Conditions
Specialists also manage tendon injuries that affect mobility. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and it supports walking and running because it transfers force through the foot during movement. Overuse or repeated stress produces inflammation; continued strain leads to microtears that increase the risk of degeneration or rupture over time.
Connecting Care and Management
Foot health connects with broader diabetes management. Specialists promote the ABCs of diabetes; this approach includes A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking cessation while encouraging regular checkups with the care team. Referrals to nutritionists, health coaches, and community resources support ongoing management, and they complement routine medical care.
Diabetes self-management education and support services build practical skills. Participants work with diabetes care and education specialists, and they learn strategies for blood sugar management, healthy eating, physical activity, and daily problem-solving because these skills reinforce the care provided during foot examinations. This coordinated approach supports long-term management, and it reinforces the care provided during routine foot evaluations.
Meet With a Foot and Ankle Specialist
Diabetes-related foot problems can develop without obvious symptoms. A foot and ankle specialist provides comprehensive examinations, treats tendon injuries and coordinates care with other health professionals, and these services support long-term foot health while helping identify complications early. Scheduling an evaluation establishes a baseline for future care, and regular follow-up visits help monitor changes over time. Meet with a specialist today to get started.
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