Condition Guide
Diabetic Foot Care
Preventative and ongoing management to protect diabetic patients from serious foot complications.
01Overview
The feet are among the most vulnerable parts of the body for individuals living with diabetes. Two major diabetic complications - peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral arterial disease (impaired circulation) - converge in the lower extremities to create a perfect storm for foot ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, limb-threatening complications. Proactive, regular podiatric care is one of the most powerful interventions available to reduce diabetic foot complications and prevent amputations.
02Causes & Etiology
Chronically elevated blood glucose causes glycation of proteins and accelerated atherosclerosis, damaging both large and small blood vessels as well as peripheral nerves. Peripheral sensory neuropathy eliminates the body's primary protective warning system - pain - allowing minor injuries, pressure ulcers, and infections to go unnoticed until they become severe. Peripheral motor neuropathy weakens the intrinsic foot muscles, producing hammertoe and claw toe deformities that create abnormal pressure points. Autonomic neuropathy reduces sweat production, leaving the skin dry, cracked, and vulnerable to bacterial and fungal entry. Peripheral arterial disease dramatically impairs wound healing by reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues.
Risk Factors
- Duration of diabetes (longer duration = greater risk)
- Poor glycemic control (elevated HbA1c)
- Peripheral neuropathy with loss of protective sensation
- Peripheral arterial disease or claudication
- Previous foot ulcer or amputation
- Foot deformities (hammertoe, bunion, Charcot foot)
- Impaired vision making self-examination difficult
- Kidney disease (nephropathy)
- Smoking
03Signs & Symptoms
- Numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the feet and toes
- Loss of ability to feel heat, cold, or pain in the feet
- Dry, cracked skin, especially around the heels
- Changes in skin color - redness, pallor, or cyanosis
- Swelling in the foot or ankle
- Slow-healing or non-healing wounds, blisters, or sores
- Ingrown toenails, calluses, or nail infections that don't resolve
- Foot deformities developing or worsening (Charcot foot: warmth, redness, swelling without pain)
When to See Dr. Golan
All diabetic patients should receive a comprehensive foot examination at least annually - and more frequently if neuropathy, vascular disease, or prior ulceration is present. Any wound, ulcer, or infection requires urgent podiatric evaluation. Do not wait for pain as a warning signal; with neuropathy, the absence of pain does not mean the absence of a serious problem.
04Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to find relief?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Golan and get a personalized treatment plan.
Book an AppointmentFrom Our Blog
Diabetic Foot Care Treatment Near You
Select your community for local context, city-specific FAQs, and drive times to our Grandview Heights office.
Patient Resources