Symptoms

 

Diabetes warning signs include the following:

 

• Skin color changes

• Swelling of the foot or ankle

• Numbness in the feet or toes

• Pain in the legs

• Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal

• Ingrown and fungal toenails

• Bleeding corns and calluses

• Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel

 

We are here to help!

 

Because diabetes is a disease affecting many parts of the body, successful management requires a team approach.   Dr. La Russa specializes in diabetic wound care and limb salvage and is certified by the American Board Of Wound Healing. As a wound care specialist. Dr. La Russa is an integral part of the treatment team and has documented success in preventing amputations:

 

• More than 65,000 lower limbs are amputated annually due to complications from diabetes.

• After an amputation, the chance of another amputation within three to five years is as high as 50 percent.

• Including a podiatrist in your diabetes care can reduce the risk of lower limb amputation up to 85 percent and lowers the risk of hospitalization by 24 percent.

• The keys to amputation prevention are early recognition and regular foot screenings performed by a podiatrist, the foot and ankle expert.

 

Take Action!

 

If you have diabetes, follow these foot care tips:

 

• Inspect feet daily. Check your feet and toes every day for cuts, bruises, sores, or changes to the toenails, such as thickening or discoloration.

• Wear thick, soft socks. Avoid socks with seams, which could rub and cause blisters or other skin injuries.

• Exercise. Walking can keep weight down and improve circulation. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising.

• Have new shoes properly measured and fitted. Foot size and shape may change over time. Shoes that fit properly are important to those with diabetes.

• Don't go barefoot. Don't go without shoes, even in your own home. The risk of cuts and infection is too great for those with diabetes.

• Never try to remove calluses, corns, or warts by yourself. Over-the-counter products can burn the skin and cause irreparable damage to the foot for people with diabetes.

 

See us today. Regular checkups —at least annually—are the best way to ensure that your feet remain healthy.