Diabetic Foot Care

in Missouri & Illinois

Diabetic Foot Care

According to the CDC, 9.3% of the US population is diabetic. Diabetes affects the foot primarily by its actions on the blood vessels and nerves. This often leads to hospital stays for infection and ultimately amputations. There were nearly 90,000 major amputations in the United States last year as the result of diabetes. However, it has been estimated that nearly 85% of limb loss can be prevented through education and patient care plans.

We also specialize in Diabetic Wound Care. We utilize the latest treatment options to heal your wounds as quickly as possible and prevent reoccurrence. Our goal is to relieve pain, correct the deformity, and prevent the devastating consequences of loss of limb.

Do’s and Don’ts

DO’s

  • Inspect feet daily. Any redness, swelling, sores, blisters or any change in appearance call the office immediately. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THERE IS PAIN.
  • If you cannot see your feet have a friend or relative inspect them or try using a mirror. Wear white socks and inspect daily for blood or other drainage.
  • Wash feet in warm water daily, dry well and apply lotion, but NOT on toes.
  • Wear comfortable wide shoes. Your doctor can determine if you qualify for diabetic shoes.
  • Inspect inside of shoes before wearing.
  • Exercise often and control weight.
  • Have cholesterol levels and urinalysis performed yearly.
  • Check blood pressure regularly.
  • Have eyes examined yearly.
  • Have hemoglobin A1C checked at least twice a year.

DONT’S

  • DO NOT ignore your feet.
  • DO NOT soak feet in any temperature water.
  • DO NOT trim nails or cut corns or calluses.
  • DO NOT use corn or callus medication.
  • DO NOT go barefoot.
  • DO NOT use heating pads or hot water bottles.
  • DO NOT smoke

Serious Foot Health Risks for Diabetics

If/when your feet become numb, they are at risk for becoming deformed. One way this happens is through diabetic foot ulcers. Open sores may become infected. Another way is the bone condition Charcot (pronounced “sharko”) foot. This is one of the most serious foot problems a diabetic can face. It warps the shape of your foot when your bones fracture and disintegrate, and yet you continue to walk on it because it doesn’t hurt. Diabetic foot ulcers and early phases of Charcot foot fractures can be treated with a total contact cast.

The shape of your foot molds the cast. It lets your ulcer heal by distributing weight and relieving pressure. If you have Charcot foot, the cast controls your foot’s movement and supports its contours if you don’t put any weight on it. To use a total contact cast, you need good blood flow in your foot. The cast is changed every week or two until your foot heals. A custom-walking boot is another way to treat your Charcot foot. It supports the foot until all the swelling goes down, which can take as long as a year. You should keep from putting your weight on the Charcot foot. Surgery is considered if your deformity is too severe for a brace or shoe.

what patients ask about regularly

Our Facility

We are proud to provide a state-of-the-art facility for the highest quality foot care available. It is one of our top priorities to protect the well-being of our valued patients. X-rays are performed in the office.

Booking Appointments

If you would like to make an appointment, please contact our office by phone or request an appointment online. Our office facilitates communications and emergency calls and appointments are available and welcome, especially for new patients seeking help.

Financial Questions

We will be more than happy to submit all insurance forms for you and help you recover the most from your benefits. We will do everything we can to help you afford the treatment you need and want. For patients who require major work, a complete payment plan is designed with an appropriate payment schedule. Forms of payment accepted by the office are check, cash, or any major credit card.

Cancellations

If you are unable to keep an appointment, we ask that you kindly provide us with at least 24 hours notice. We ask for this advance notice so that we can offer this appointment to another patient. A fee may be charged if a patient does not show up for an appointment without sufficient notice.