Routine Diabetic Foot Care Services

What You Need To Know

Understanding your risk level is the first step to protecting your feet.

Preventive Diabetic Foot Care

If you are newly diagnosed with diabetes and need to determine your risk for getting into trouble with your feet, if you suffer from numbness and need your feet checked on a regular basis, or if you are dealing with an ulcer that has been hard to heal, please contact our specialists at Integrative Foot and Ankle Centers of Washington. We are proud to offer comprehensive and specialized diabetic foot care.

It is important to recognize that not all patients with diabetes are at the same risk for getting into trouble with their feet. Some patients we will want to see every three to four months for what is frequently called preventive diabetic foot care, while others can go a year before having another foot evaluation. It is important to know where you stand.

We specialize in comprehensive foot assessments to determine your individualized risk level. During your visit, we check for changes in sensation, circulation, skin condition, and pressure points that could develop into a wound if left unaddressed. Patients who have lost protective sensation from numbness are at greater risk, so regular checks help catch small problems early.

If you have diabetes and have not had a recent foot evaluation, we encourage you to schedule an assessment so we can determine how often you should be seen and build a care plan that fits your needs.

Comprehensive In-Office Diabetic Foot Services

What is really nice about our practice is that we are able to get our patients into the shoes they need and fit patients for foot orthoses and custom braces right in the comfort of the office, usually in just two quick office visits. There are no third and fourth trips needed to other specialists such as pedorthists or orthotists for this type of service.

Having these services under one roof matters for patients with diabetes. Proper footwear reduces pressure on high-risk areas of the foot, and custom orthoses help redistribute weight so calluses and pre-ulcer sites are less likely to break down. When shoes, inserts, and medical care are coordinated by the same team, small adjustments can be made quickly rather than waiting weeks between appointments.

Between visits, patients are encouraged to inspect their feet daily, keep skin moisturized while avoiding lotion between the toes, wear shoes and socks that fit properly, and never attempt to shave down calluses or corns at home. Contact the office right away if you notice a new blister, cut, red spot, drainage, or a sore that is not healing.

Our goal is to help you stay ahead of problems rather than react to them. With regular preventive visits, appropriate footwear, and a clear understanding of your personal risk, most patients with diabetes can maintain healthy, functional feet for the long term.