Why Diabetic Foot Care is Critical

Diabetes can severely impact foot health through peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation). At Foot Centers of Maryland, we know these complications create a high-risk environment where a small injury can quickly turn into a non-healing ulcer, necessitating careful management at our Lutherville Office.

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Signs of High Risk

Immediate professional care is necessary at any of our Foot Centers of Maryland locations if you experience any of the following:

  • Neuropathy Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the feet.
  • Vascular Symptoms: Cold feet, weak pulses, changes in skin color, or slow-healing cuts.
  • Visual Changes: Any sign of a wound, sore, or ulcer, no matter how small, requires immediate attention at the Glen Burnie Office.
  • Nail Issues: Severe ingrown nails or thick fungal nails that are unsafe to trim yourself.

What a Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam Includes

Regular, professional exams are the cornerstone of preventative care:

  • Neurological Testing: Assessing sensation using a monofilament test to identify areas of numbness.
  • Vascular Screening: Checking pulses and blood flow to assess circulation.
  • Skin and Nail Inspection: Thoroughly checking for pre-ulcerative signs like calluses, redness, blisters, or fungus.
  • Debridement and Trimming: Safe, professional trimming of calluses and nails that patients should never attempt at home.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Our comprehensive program is designed to manage risk and promote health:

  • Therapeutic Footwear: Prescribing diabetic shoes and custom inserts to off-load pressure and prevent pressure-related ulcers, available through our Overlea Office.
  • Wound Prevention: Identifying and correcting structural issues (e.g., hammertoes, bunions) that create high-pressure areas.
  • Wound Management: Immediate and specialized care for any active ulcers (see the Wound Care page).