Living with diabetes means managing more than just your blood sugar—it means keeping a close eye on your entire body, especially your feet. At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons in Norwalk, CT, we understand how critical Diabetic Foot Care is to maintaining your overall health and preventing serious complications.
Diabetic foot refers to a group of conditions that can affect people with diabetes, including nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation, foot ulcers, skin infections, and bone deformities. Because diabetes can impair sensation and healing, even small injuries or friction points—like a tight shoe or an unnoticed blister—can escalate into severe wounds or infections. If left untreated, these complications can become limb- or even life-threatening. Fortunately, early intervention and routine podiatric care can make a dramatic difference.
Even a small cut, blister, or callus can quickly become a major health issue if not properly managed. That’s why preventive foot care and regular check-ins with your podiatrist are vital—because when you take care of your feet, you’re taking care of your future.
In this blog, we’ll explore why diabetic foot care is so important, what you can do at home to keep your feet healthy, and how Dr. Harris Greenberger, DPM, FACFAS and our team at Fairfield County Foot Surgeons can support you with the best in professional, compassionate care. Dr. Greenberger is a highly respected and double board-certified podiatric surgeon and physician with over 24 years of experience.
Why Diabetic Foot Care Is So Important
Diabetes can lead to two major complications in the feet: neuropathy and poor circulation.
Neuropathy, or nerve damage, affects nearly 60–70% of people with diabetes. It causes symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the feet and toes. Over time, many patients lose the ability to feel heat, cold, or injury—making it easier for wounds to go unnoticed and untreated.
Poor circulation—also called peripheral arterial disease (PAD)—slows the healing process by reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your feet. If you get a cut or sore, your body can’t heal the area as quickly or effectively. Combined with neuropathy, this creates a dangerous situation where even a minor issue can spiral into a serious infection or ulcer.
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetic foot ulcers affect around 15% of people with diabetes, and up to 25% of those ulcers will require amputation. The good news is that most diabetic foot complications are preventable with proactive care and early intervention.
What to Expect from Routine Diabetic Foot Appointments
When you visit Fairfield County Foot Surgeons for diabetic foot care, you can expect a thorough, personalized exam every time. We take our time because we know your feet deserve close attention.
We’ll carefully inspect your feet and ankles for:
- Dry skin, cracking, redness, or swelling
- Corns, calluses, and pressure points
- Open wounds, ulcers, or signs of infection
- Ingrown toenails or fungal nails
- Changes in skin color or temperature
- Foot deformities such as hammertoes or bunions
- Numbness or diminished sensation (neuropathy screening)
- Circulatory issues (cold feet, weak pulse, discoloration)
Depending on what we find, we may recommend diagnostic imaging, wound care, offloading techniques, diabetic footwear, custom orthotics, or other specialized services. But perhaps most important of all—we’ll educate you and create a proactive care plan to prevent issues before they start.
At-Home Tips to Keep Your Diabetic Feet Healthy
Daily foot care at home is a critical part of managing diabetes. You don’t need expensive tools or complicated routines—just consistency and mindfulness. Here are some expert-recommended tips from our podiatry team:
1. Inspect Your Feet Every Day
Use a mirror or ask someone to help you check the tops, bottoms, sides, and between your toes. Look for blisters, cuts, sores, color changes, swelling, or anything that feels “off.” Catching problems early prevents complications.
2. Wash and Moisturize
Wash your feet in warm (not hot) water with mild soap. Dry thoroughly, especially between your toes. Apply a moisturizing lotion to your heels and soles to prevent dry skin and cracking. Avoid putting lotion between the toes, which can create a moist environment for fungus.
3. Trim Toenails Carefully
Trim toenails straight across and use a nail file to smooth edges. Avoid cutting nails too short or rounding the corners, which can lead to painful ingrown toenails. If trimming is difficult or painful, we can help.
4. Choose the Right Footwear
Always wear closed-toe shoes that fit well and offer protection. Avoid tight shoes, high heels, and sandals with straps that rub. Look for diabetic-friendly shoes with a soft interior, wide toe box, and supportive sole. Never walk barefoot, even indoors.
5. Change Socks Daily
Wear clean, dry socks every day. Opt for seamless, non-binding socks made of moisture-wicking materials like cotton blends or diabetic-specific fabrics.
6. Don’t Use Heating Pads or Hot Water Bottles
If your feet feel cold, use warm socks or a blanket. Never use heating devices, as diabetic neuropathy can prevent you from feeling burns or excessive heat.
7. Keep Blood Sugar in Check
Maintaining good glycemic control is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your feet. Stable blood sugar levels help prevent nerve damage and support proper healing.
8. Stay Active—but Safe
Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling promotes healthy circulation and supports blood sugar control. Be sure to wear proper footwear and check your feet before and after activity.
9. Quit Smoking
Smoking dramatically decreases circulation and impairs your body's ability to heal. If you smoke and have diabetes, your risk of amputation significantly increases. Quitting is a powerful step toward foot health.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Call your podiatrist right away if you notice any of the following:
- A sore, blister, or wound that doesn’t start to heal within 48 hours
- Pus, foul odor, or warmth around a wound (signs of infection)
- A black or blue spot on your foot or toes
- Increased swelling or redness
- Sudden loss of sensation
- Pain when walking or tingling at rest
The earlier you get treatment, the better the outcome. At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons, we’re equipped to handle these issues with urgency, compassion, and the latest medical technology.
Why Choose Fairfield County Foot Surgeons for Diabetic Foot Care?
At Fairfield County Foot Surgeons, we specialize in general podiatry and diabetic foot care for patients of all ages. We’ve helped countless people in Norwalk and across Fairfield County stay mobile, pain-free, and protected from serious foot complications.
Dr. Harris Greenberger, DPM, FACFAS is a highly respected, double board-certified podiatric surgeon and physician with over 24 years of experience. He is known throughout the region for his expertise, advanced training, and warm, compassionate approach to care. As a fluent speaker of both English and Spanish, he provides inclusive care to a diverse patient population.
Whether you need a diabetic foot checkup, treatment for an ingrown nail, custom orthotics, or surgical care, we offer personalized solutions that fit your lifestyle and long-term health goals.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Your trusted family podiatrist
Fairfield County Foot Surgeons is a premier podiatry center in Norwalk, CT. What makes us unique is superior service and training.
When you walk through the door, you are more than just a patient. As a family practice, we want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome. Our staff is well liked because they are extremely cordial, knowledgeable, and organized.
Dr. Harris Greenberger, DPM, FACFAS offers a number of conservative and minimally invasive services to treat heel pain, sports injuries, ingrown & fungal toenails, diabetic foot conditions, bunions, and more. He is also double board-certified and one of the best surgically trained physicians among his peers in the area, offering the latest surgical procedures.
Please reach out to make an appointment. We are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive, personalized, effective care.
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