Diabetic Foot is Serious

Diabetes is a disease caused by high sugar levels in your blood stream which makes it harder to fight infection, especially in your feet.  Managing the diabetic foot is complicated and requires specialists working together to control your symptoms. Dr. Andrew H. Cohen has treated thousands of patients for acute and chronic diabetic wounds as a board certified wound care specialist in Michigan. Here are some facts and tips that may help you deal better with your disease.

Effects from Diabetes:

  • Any cut and soar on your feet can become infected much easier than someone without diabetes.
  • Nerve damage is very likely with this disease and can lead to loss of feeling in your feet.
  • Once an infection sets in from a simple cut it can take a long time to heal.
  • Diabetes lowers the amount of blood flow in your feet which contributes to numbness and nerve problems.
  • Bones can shift or break causing “rocker bottom” which is an anomaly of the foot.
  • In extreme cases gangrene or foot ulcers can develop and amputation may be the only option to keep the infection from spreading.

Basic Care Advice:

  • Consult both a podiatrist and a physician to make a self care plan for your diabetes.
  • Stay active to keep your blood flowing in your feet by walking, biking, etc.
  • Keep your toenails trimmed and wash your feet regularly.
  • Make sure your feet are checked with every visit to your general doctor.
  • Wear proper shoes and padded socks as often as possible if not daily.
  • Try not to cross your legs for too long as this can reduce blood flow.
  • Make sure your shoes do not have any sharp edges inside that can cause cuts or abrasions.

Look and Feel for:

  • Bumps, lumps, blisters or bruises.
  • Cut, sores and cracked skin.
  • Redness, or thin shiny areas on the skin.
  • Temperature differences can detect poor blood flow.
  • Ingrown toe nails that are red or tender.
  • Pain, tingling, numbness or lack of feeling completely.
  • Loss of hair on the feet or legs.

If you or a family member has any of these symptoms, please reach out to one of our locations either in Saginaw or Essexville Michigan without delay at 989-790-8009. Diabetes can be a very serious disease which requires special attention and Mid- Michigan Foot and Ankle Center can schedule an appointment to give you the treatment you need to maintain your health.

Contact Us

Send Us an Email

Our Locations

Map & Directions

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed