Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic foot refers to a serious wound, a diabetic foot ulcer, that develops in 19% to 34% of all people with diabetes and is responsible for 230 lower limb amputations every day in the United States. Experienced podiatric surgeon and wound care expert Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, at Foot Ankle Leg Wound Care Orange County in Mission Viejo, California, focuses on saving feet and legs, preventing diabetic foot ulcers and avoiding amputations with today’s most advanced treatments. Call the office or use online booking to schedule your diabetic foot checkup today.

How do diabetic foot ulcers develop?

Diabetic ulcers develop when high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels in your feet. Nerve damage affects your ability to feel pain, so you may not notice small cuts or foot problems in time to get them treated.

Ignoring any foot condition is a problem because damaged blood vessels can’t deliver the oxygen and nutrients your foot wounds need to heal. As a result, a tiny cut can rapidly progress to become a non-healing ulcer.

Without treatment, diabetic foot ulcers cause skin and bone infections. These infections lead to tissue death (gangrene) and ultimately, the need to amputate your foot or lower leg.

How can I prevent diabetic foot ulcers?

You can prevent dangerous diabetic foot ulcers by following a daily self-care routine and getting yearly foot exams from Dr. Rambacher.

Your daily diabetic foot care should include:

• Checking your feet for cuts, blisters, red areas, bruises, swelling and other problems
• Bathing your feet in lukewarm water (never hot water because it damages your skin)
• Applying a moisturizer (but not between your toes)
• Keeping your feet dry (wearing clean, dry socks and airing your shoes)
• Never walking barefoot (to protect your feet from cuts and bumps)

Don’t try to take care of foot problems at home, even common ones like an ingrown toenail. Seeking professional foot care ensures you don’t accidentally injure the skin and set the stage for an ulcer.

What professional diabetic foot care will I receive?

At Foot Ankle Leg Wound Care Orange County, Dr. Rambacher takes a conservative approach, helping you avoid ulcers, infections, and amputation. 

During your exam, he examines your feet and completes a neurological assessment to identify potential nerve damage. He offers comprehensive diabetic foot care, including:

• Teaching about daily foot care
• Providing diabetes education and nutritional counseling
• Checking your shoes to be sure they fit properly
• Performing basic foot care as needed like trimming your toenails
• Treating calluses, corns, cracks, blisters, and dryness
• Checking your toenails for fungal infections
• Diagnosing and treating foot deformities like bunions (that increase your risk for an ulcer)
• Creating medical-grade customized orthotics (to prevent pressure spots)
• Providing wound care

As a wound care expert, Dr. Rambacher offers many advanced therapies, including deep cleaning, specialized dressings, restorative treatments that stimulate healing, and surgical wound care when needed.

Call Foot Ankle Leg Wound Care Orange County today or use online booking to schedule exceptional diabetic foot care.