If you have an inflammatory condition such as arthritis or gout, you may benefit from seeing a local podiatrist. If you have an inflammatory condition, you will benefit from working with a local rheumatologist, but there are a number of other healthcare providers who can help, including a local podiatrist. A local podiatrist is a doctor who has taken specialized training in treating conditions of the feet, ankle and lower leg. They may work with patients who have a wide range of conditions, including diabetes (which can lead to different diabetes-related foot complications), bunions, chronic pain and fibromyalgia.

People with inflammatory conditions including psoriatic arthritis, pseudogout, systemic lupus erythematosus and giant cell arteritis may benefit from working with a local podiatrist to manage their condition. Gout is another inflammatory condition that affects the big toe, so a local podiatrist can help. Whether you have a chronic condition or a leg length discrepancy, if you think you could benefit from working with a local podiatrist in addition to a local rheumatologist, start by talking to your local family physician.

Your feet have a big job every day, supporting your weight and absorbing the shock from every step you take. That’s why it’s essential to take good care of your feet so that they can stay flexible and functional. Each foot has 26 bones and hundreds of ligaments, muscles and tendons. 

Types of Diabetic Foot Problems

People with diabetes may develop diabetic foot problems including diabetic retinopathy (nerve damage) and peripheral vascular disease (reduced blood flow to the feet). One of the main problems in patients with diabetes is decreased circulation. This leads to problems including nerve damage and peripheral vascular problems at the bottom of the feet and fingertips. If the damage gets severe enough, patients can't actually feel the bottom of their feet, so if they step on something that could hurt them, they might not actually feel it.

Prevention & Treatment of Diabetic Foot Problems 

People who have diabetes should be checking their feet every day on a regular basis as a routine to help maintain and prevent complications. Look for specially-designed diabetic socks, which are designed with reinforced toes, no seams and extra padding to help prevent pressure sores that might develop. Hydration is also a very important part of diabetic foot care, so make sure you're moisturizing your feet to avoid cracking of the soles and the heels, which take longer to heal if you have diabetes. If you do develop a diabetic sore, your physician will probably refer you to a specialist, because the wound will slower because of the circulation problems that can arise from diabetes.

Effective blood glucose management is also necessary for optimal foot health. If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels as prescribed by your doctor. This will determine if you have low or high blood sugar and show you how your medication and lifestyle are affecting your blood sugar levels. The goal of blood glucose monitoring in diabetes is to keep your blood sugar as close to target range as possible in order to prevent diabetes complications.

If you have a foot condition, your physician may refer you to a podiatrist for further diagnosis and treatment. A podiatrist is a physician who focuses on conditions of the feet and lower limbs. Your foot health treatment plan depends on the type and severity of your diabetic foot condition. 

Talk to your Local Podiatrists if you'd like more information on foot health. 

Visit HealthChoicesFirst.com for more videos and resources on diabetes.