Diabetic Foot Care

Overview

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Diabetes can affect the nerves, blood vessels, and skin of the lower extremities, increasing the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and delayed wound healing. Over time, elevated blood glucose levels may contribute to peripheral neuropathy (loss of protective sensation) and peripheral arterial disease (reduced circulation), allowing minor injuries to progress into serious complications without noticeable pain.

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Regular diabetic foot examinations are an essential part of preventive care. Early identification of sensory changes, circulation problems, pressure points, and skin abnormalities can significantly reduce the risk of diabetic foot complications.

Signs & Symptoms

Diabetes-related foot complications may develop gradually and can occur without pain. Common findings include:

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• Numbness or tingling: Burning, pins-and-needles sensations, or decreased sensation in the feet.

• Circulation changes: Cold feet, skin discoloration, diminished pulses, or wounds that heal slowly.

• Dry or cracked skin: Reduced sweating and altered skin integrity, increasing susceptibility to fissures and infection.

• Calluses and pressure points: Thickened skin caused by abnormal pressure that may conceal underlying tissue damage.

• Foot deformities: Hammertoes, bunions, or changes in foot structure that increase localized pressure.

• Open wounds or ulcers: Skin breakdown, drainage, redness, or sores that fail to heal.

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Importantly, patients with advanced neuropathy may develop significant injuries or infections without experiencing pain.

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Evaluation & Diagnosis

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A comprehensive diabetic foot examination evaluates the neurological, vascular, dermatological, and musculoskeletal health of the feet and lower extremities. The examination may include:

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• Neurological Assessment: Testing protective sensation with a 10-g monofilament, along with vibration or other sensory testing to identify diabetic neuropathy.

• Vascular Assessment: Evaluating pedal pulses, skin temperature, capillary refill, and other signs of impaired circulation. Additional vascular testing may be recommended when indicated.

• Skin & Nail Examination: Assessing calluses, fissures, fungal infections, nail abnormalities, pressure injuries, and early signs of ulceration.

• Biomechanical Assessment: Examining foot structure, deformities, gait, and areas of excessive pressure.

• Footwear Assessment: Evaluating shoes and inserts for appropriate fit, support, and pressure distribution.

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These findings help determine each patient's risk for ulceration and establish an individualized schedule for preventive foot care.

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​Diabetic Foot Care in Boca Raton & Delray Beach

At Boca Raton Foot & Ankle Specialists, diabetic foot care focuses on preventing complications, identifying problems early, and treating existing conditions before they progress.

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• Routine Diabetic Foot Care: Professional nail trimming, callus reduction, and management of skin and nail disorders.

• Preventive Foot Examinations: Periodic neurological, vascular, and skin assessments to monitor changes in foot health.

• Diabetic Wound Care: Evaluation, debridement when appropriate, pressure offloading, infection management, and advanced wound care when clinically indicated.

• Custom Orthotics & Diabetic Footwear: Therapeutic shoes and inserts to accommodate deformities, redistribute pressure, and reduce areas of excessive friction.

• Skin & Nail Treatments: Management of dry skin, cracked heels, fungal infections, ingrown toenails, and other conditions that may compromise skin integrity.

• Multidisciplinary Care: Coordination with primary care physicians, endocrinologists, vascular specialists, and other providers when necessary.