Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the U.S.? According to the CDC, over 50% of these amputations could be prevented with regular foot exams and early care.
At South Texas Podiatrist we specialize in diabetic foot care for residents throughout San Antonio. Our board-certified podiatrists—Dr. Ed Davis, DPM,Dr. Silas Espino, DPM, and Dr. Bryan Sagray, DPM offer comprehensive, proactive care to help you detect and prevent diabetic foot problems before they become serious. From diabetic foot exams to wound care and orthotic solutions, we’re here to help.
Let’s explore how routine foot checkups can help you stay active, independent, and confident.
How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Understanding the Diabetic Foot
Diabetes mellitus affects your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause two major complications that directly impact your feet:
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This nerve damage reduces feeling in the feet. You may not notice cuts, blisters, or injuries, which can lead to delayed treatment.
- Poor Circulation (Peripheral Arterial Disease): Reduced blood flow slows down healing, increasing the risk of infection.
When these two problems occur together, a small issue like a blister or cracked skin can turn into a severe foot ulcer, or even lead to amputation if not treated quickly.
Common Diabetic Foot Symptoms
Many people with diabetes experience early warning signs. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to schedule a diabetic foot exam:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in your feet
- Skin discoloration or shiny patches
- Swelling in one or both feet
- Sores that take more than a week to heal
- Cracks between the toes
- Unexplained foot pain
If left unaddressed, these symptoms can develop into serious diabetic foot problems. Routine foot exams can catch these signs early and prevent complications.
Why Regular Foot Exams Are Essential for Diabetics
Prevention Starts with a Check-Up
Foot problems can progress quickly in individuals with diabetes. Regular foot exams serve as a first line of defense, helping your podiatrist identify and treat concerns before they escalate.
The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes receive a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year. However, if you have existing risk factors, such as neuropathy, poor circulation, or a history of ulcers, you may need more frequent visits.
The Power of Early Detection
When caught early, most diabetic foot issues can be managed conservatively. This means avoiding hospitalization, surgery, or worse. A foot exam can help detect:
- Skin changes
- Decreased pulse
- Pressure points that could lead to ulcers
- Hidden wounds you may not feel due to nerve damage
At South Texas Podiatry, we emphasize preventive care. A diabetic foot exam allows us to tailor a care plan that supports circulation, sensation, and healing.
What Happens During a Diabetic Foot Exam?
What to Expect from Your Visit
A diabetic foot exam is non-invasive, quick, and highly informative. During your appointment at South Texas Podiatry, here’s what we typically evaluate:
- Visual inspection for skin color, texture, and wounds
- Palpation of pulses to assess blood flow
- Monofilament and tuning fork tests to check sensation and nerve response
- Assessment of footwear to ensure proper fit and support
- Evaluation for deformities, like bunions or hammertoes, which increase the risk of skin breakdown
We may also recommend foot wound care for diabetics if there are existing open areas, or prescribe custom orthotics if you show signs of imbalance or pressure points.
Our goal is not just to treat problems, but to help you avoid them entirely.
Proactive Care and Early Intervention
Addressing Foot Problems Before They Escalate
Even without symptoms, diabetics can develop foot ulcers and infections from minor trauma. That’s why preventive care is essential. Our team takes a proactive approach by offering:
- Routine callus and nail care to reduce the risk of skin breakdown
- Moisture management to prevent cracking (but avoiding lotion between the toes)
- Custom shoe and sock recommendations to relieve pressure and protect sensitive areas
- Education on how to check your feet at home
We also treat existing conditions like:
- Corns and calluses
- Fungal infections
- Ingrown toenails
- Diabetic foot ulcers
By managing these issues early, we can prevent long-term damage.
Local Resources for Diabetes Mellitus Foot Care in San Antonio
Your San Antonio Foot Care Team
If you live in San Antonio and have diabetes, you don’t have to face foot problems alone. South Texas Podiatry provides advanced care designed specifically for the diabetic population in our community.
We offer:
- In-office diagnostics and vascular screenings
- Diabetic wound care management
- Gait analysis and custom orthotics
- Treatment for advanced diabetic foot complications
- Minimally invasive procedures for ulcer prevention and repair
We understand the needs of San Antonio residents and are committed to helping you stay healthy, mobile, and confident in your everyday life.
Stay Ahead of Diabetic Foot Complications
Living with diabetes requires more than managing blood sugar; it means staying one step ahead of complications. Regular foot exams help you do just that. At South Texas Podiatry, we combine preventive care with compassionate support, helping San Antonio residents protect their health from the ground up.
Schedule a diabetic foot exam today by calling (2104903668). We’re here to help you stay mobile, independent, and confident in every step you take.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a diabetic foot exam?
A diabetic foot exam checks for nerve damage, circulation problems, wounds, and early signs of infection.
How often should I get my feet checked?
At least once a year. More often if you have neuropathy, ulcers, or circulation issues.
What are signs of diabetic foot problems?
Watch for numbness, swelling, color changes, pain, or wounds that don’t heal.
Can I treat foot problems at home?
Home care helps, but never treat open wounds or infections yourself. See a podiatrist promptly.
Why do diabetics need special shoes?
Diabetic shoes reduce pressure points and help prevent ulcers or skin breakdown.
