Diabetes can lead to such serious foot ulceration that more than half of foot amputations in the United States are linked to diabetes. Because diabetes has the potential to lead to serious foot complications, expert podiatrist Aldo M. Gonzalez, DPM, provides comprehensive diabetic foot care and limb salvage management at Ankle and Foot Center of Florida in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Schedule your diabetic foot care exam at their clinic online or call the office directly.
Diabetic foot care is a personalized approach to your foot and ankle health to prevent foot wounds and intervene early on if anything is abnormal. You need routine diabetic foot care with a dedicated podiatrist to:
The issue with diabetes is that blood circulation decreases, particularly in your feet. This area of your body is already prone to poor circulation due to the effects of gravity.
Because of the limited blood supply, your skin dries out, which can lead to cracks. Plus, skin tissues don’t get the nutrients and oxygen they need to heal quickly, so wounds stay open for an abnormal amount of time, which increases your risk of infection.
Whether you were recently diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing the condition for some time, Ankle and Foot Center of Florida can help. Dr. Gonzalez typically wants to examine your feet once a year. But you may need to make additional appointments if you:
Dr. Gonzalez may also want to have you check in two to three times per year, just as a precaution, if you have a history of diabetic foot wounds.
With his expertise and experience in diabetic wound care and limb salvage, Dr. Gonzalez is an established expert in diabetic foot care. He spends time talking with you about your diabetic condition and thoroughly examines your feet and ankles.
Depending on the outcome of your diabetic foot exam, Dr. Gonzalez may also:
If Dr. Gonzalez notices any wounds or signs of infection, he can treat them on the spot and talk with you about how to care for the wound at home to help it heal. He can also prescribe medications if you do have a foot infection.
For serious diabetic foot ulcers, Dr. Gonzalez may recommend a limb salvage procedure. He can remove damaged tissue and perform tissue grafts with the cutting-edge EpiFix® allograft, which serves as a scaffolding in which healthy new skin and connective tissues can grow.
Ankle and Foot Center of Florida provides comprehensive diabetic foot care services. You can conveniently book your diabetic foot exam through the website or over the phone.