Displaying items by tag: Foot Care

Living with diabetes comes with a long list of responsibilities. From monitoring your blood sugar to managing your medications and keeping a healthy diet, there’s a lot to juggle. But one area that often gets overlooked—and can have serious consequences—is foot care.

At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons in Norwalk, CT, we see the consequences every day when diabetic patients neglect their feet or wait too long to seek expert help. It often starts with something small—a blister, a callus, a sore spot that goes unnoticed. But before they know it, what could have been handled early has turned into something much worse.

In this blog, we’re going to walk you through why diabetic foot care should never be ignored, what happens when you don’t seek help, and how you can stay ahead of potentially life-altering complications.

Why Are Diabetic Feet at Risk?

Diabetes affects many parts of the body, but your feet are especially vulnerable due to two key complications: neuropathy and poor circulation.

1. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in your feet. This means you may not feel pain, heat, or cold the same way as someone without diabetes. You could develop a sore or blister and not even realize it because you don't feel the usual warning signs.

That’s a big problem—because if you can’t feel the injury, you won’t treat it. That untreated wound can quickly become infected, open the door for bacteria, and lead to deeper issues.

2. Reduced Blood Flow (Peripheral Artery Disease)

Diabetes also causes your blood vessels to narrow and harden, reducing blood flow—especially to your legs and feet. With poor circulation, it becomes much harder for your body to heal even the smallest cut. So what should have been a minor issue can linger and become a major medical problem.

These two issues create the perfect storm. Without sensation to feel an injury and without circulation to heal it, your feet become a silent danger zone.

The Dangerous Progression: From Blister to Amputation

Here’s how a common scenario unfolds:

• A patient develops a blister from a tight shoe.
  
  
• Because of neuropathy, they don’t feel the discomfort.
  
  
• The blister pops, and they keep walking on it.
  
  
• Bacteria enter the open wound.
  
  
• The area becomes red, swollen, and begins to smell.
  
  
• By the time they realize something is wrong, the infection has progressed to the point that the toe or foot is at risk.
  
  

This is not an exaggeration—foot ulcers are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations in people with diabetes. And most of those amputations could have been avoided with preventive care and early intervention.

Signs You Should Never Ignore

If you have diabetes, these warning signs should never be brushed off:

• Cuts or sores that don't heal within a few days
  
  
• Swelling or redness around a wound
  
  
• Warm spots on the foot, especially when compared to the other foot
  
  
• Drainage in your socks or shoes
  
  
• Skin discoloration (red, blue, black)
  
  
• A foul odor from your feet
  
  
• Pain, even if mild
  
  
• Tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation
  
  

Even if you're unsure if something is serious, it's better to let a podiatrist take a look.

The Power of Preventive Diabetic Foot Care

As a diabetic, your best defense is being proactive. At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons, we don’t wait for a crisis. We work with patients every day to protect their feet and avoid complications. Preventive foot care includes:

Daily Self-Checks

Look at your feet every day. Check for cuts, blisters, swelling, or discoloration. If you can’t see the bottom of your feet, use a mirror or ask for help.

Proper Foot Hygiene

Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap. Dry them completely—especially between your toes. Use a good moisturizing lotion on the heels but avoid putting lotion between the toes.

Smart Nail Trimming

Always cut your nails straight across and file the edges. Never dig into the corners. Trying to remove your own corns or calluses? That’s a common mistake. One small slip and you can cause an open wound.

The Right Footwear

Choose comfortable, properly fitting shoes. Avoid walking barefoot—even inside your home. Look for shoes made specifically for diabetic feet. Our office can help recommend what’s best for your needs.

Regular Podiatrist Visits

This one is key. If you’re diabetic, a podiatrist should be part of your healthcare team. We check for early signs of trouble, monitor your circulation and nerve function, and make sure your feet are staying healthy.

What We Do at Fairfield County Foot Surgeons

When you come to our office, you’re not just getting a foot exam. You’re getting a customized care plan from professionals who specialize in diabetic foot care.

We assess your foot structure, nerve sensation, blood flow, and any areas of concern. If something is brewing under the surface, we can catch it early—before it becomes an emergency.

We also handle corns, calluses, pressure points, ingrown toenails, and skin changes. We can prescribe custom orthotics to reduce friction and prevent future problems.

Our goal is simple: keep you on your feet. No infections. No complications. No surgeries. Just healthy feet and peace of mind.

The Cost of Waiting Too Long

Let’s be honest—most people don’t call a specialist until the problem becomes unbearable. But with diabetes, waiting is dangerous. The longer you delay, the more likely you are to face serious issues, including:

• Chronic foot infections
  
  
• Severe ulceration
  
  
• Hospital stays for intravenous antibiotics
  
  
• Surgical procedures
  
  
• Amputation of toes, feet, or legs
  
  

In some cases, complications from foot infections can even be life-threatening. It’s not about being dramatic—it’s about being realistic.

You Deserve Better Foot Health

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Whether you’ve had diabetes for years or you were just diagnosed, now is the time to take control of your foot health.

Contact us today by clicking here to schedule your diabetic foot evaluation at Fairfield County Foot Surgeons in Norwalk, CT. We’ll walk with you every step of the way.