COMPREHENSIVE DIABETIC FOOT PAIN CARE IN FREEHOLD, NJ

Reviewed by AOSMI’s Board Certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Allison Dewaters.

Comprehensive Diabetic foot care is a complex process that requires the assistance of skilled and experienced orthopedic surgeons and doctors. The diabetic foot care specialists at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute and the Foot and Ankle Institute have undergone the necessary training to be able to play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of complications associated with diabetes, especially as they relate to the lower extremities. We understand that patient education and preventative medicine are of paramount importance, as well as the identification and proper management of any wound or pain resulting from chronic illness. At AOSMI, we utilize a team approach and focus on evidence-based medicine that has been proven effective in treating diabetic foot pain. Call us to speak to an orthopedic specialist at AOSMI today.

Diabetic Foot: Prevention and Treatment

Diabetic foot syndrome is a condition common to diabetes. The disease affects multiple body systems, including lower extremities such as the foot and ankle. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes can develop a range of pathology that includes nerve damage, circulation disorders, and skin and nail disorders, resulting in ankle and foot pain. A simple cut or blister can evolve into a significant infection that has the ability to affect diabetic foot care treatment options and the patient’s quality of life. When it comes to managing diabetic foot pain, prevention and treatment are of equal importance. Learning how to prevent the onset of the disease is the best bet, and is achieved through education. Our team of diabetic foot pain professionals will work with you to prevent diabetes from taking hold of your body and will guide you through a thorough treatment process if the disease is diagnosed.

Diabetic Foot Pain Management Through Education

Successful Diabetic foot pain management is best achieved through a combination of extensive education and comprehensive, continuous treatment. AOSMI has it’s own podiatric surgeons, Dr. Alison DeWaters and Dr. Wesley Nesbit, who specialize in foot and ankle care. Alongside other orthopedic doctors and specialists at AOSMI and the Foot and Ankle Institute, they are dedicated to providing our patients with the educational resources they need to stay on top of their diabetic foot pain symptoms and avoid complications. Our team of orthopedic care specialists will guide you in diet, exercise and treatment options. The AOSMI team approach focuses on proven methods and the collective good that comes from working as a unit. During regular exams, your diabetic foot specialist will educate you on how to treat your disorder and improve your quality of life at the same time. If you’re looking for orthopedic care near you, and you’re in the Freehold, NJ area, call AOSMI today to treat your diabetic foot pain and get back to your normal lifestyle.

Diabetic Foot Pain & Symptoms Frequently Asked Questions

What does diabetic foot pain feel like?

Diabetic foot pain can manifest in various ways, and its characteristics can differ from person to person. Some common descriptions of diabetic foot pain include:

• Burning or tingling sensations.
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the feet.
• Sharp or shooting pain.
• Dull, aching pain.
• Pain that worsens at night.
• Cramps or muscle spasms.

The type and intensity of pain can vary based on the individual and the underlying causes of the foot pain.

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetic foot?

Diabetic foot problems can present with a range of signs and symptoms, including:

• Numbness or reduced sensation in the feet.
• Tingling or pins and needles sensation.
• Loss of reflexes in the feet and ankles.
• Skin changes, such as dryness, peeling, or cracking.
• Development of calluses and corns.
• Foot ulcers or sores that do not heal.
• Swelling in the feet and ankles.
• Changes in foot shape, including deformities like hammertoes.
• Changes in toenail color or shape.
• Poor circulation, leading to cold feet.
• Infections, which may cause redness, warmth, and increased pain.

How is diabetes linked to pain and swelling of the foot?

Diabetes can lead to pain and swelling in the feet through a combination of factors:

Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves in the feet, leading to peripheral neuropathy. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet.

Poor circulation: Diabetes can also affect blood flow to the extremities, which can result in decreased oxygen and nutrient delivery to the feet. This can lead to swelling and slow wound healing.

Infections: Elevated blood sugar levels can impair the immune system’s ability to fight off infections, making the feet more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. Infections can cause localized pain and swelling.

Ulcers and sores: Neuropathy and poor circulation increase the risk of developing foot ulcers, which can be painful and may become infected, further exacerbating pain and swelling.

Foot deformities: Diabetes can contribute to the development of foot deformities like hammertoes and bunions, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

What causes foot pain and problems in diabetics?

Foot pain and problems in diabetics are often the result of a combination of factors, including:

Neuropathy: As mentioned, peripheral neuropathy is a common cause of foot pain in diabetics. It results from nerve damage due to prolonged high blood sugar levels.

• Poor circulation: Diabetes can lead to atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels), reducing blood flow to the feet, which can cause pain and slow wound healing.
• Infections: Diabetics are at a higher risk of foot infections due to impaired immune function, decreased sensation, and the presence of wounds or ulcers.
• Foot deformities: Diabetes can contribute to the development of foot deformities, such as hammertoes, which can cause pain and make proper footwear essential.
• Calluses and corns: Reduced sensation in the feet can lead to pressure points, resulting in the formation of calluses and corns, which can be painful.
• Inadequate foot care: Poor foot care practices, such as not inspecting the feet regularly, cutting toenails improperly, or wearing ill-fitting shoes, can exacerbate foot problems in diabetics.

It’s crucial for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition effectively, maintain good foot hygiene, and have regular check-ups with healthcare professionals, including podiatrists, to prevent and address any foot issues. This can help reduce the risk of diabetic foot pain and complications.

To learn more about our Surgeons at AOSMI, contact us today.