Having diabetes can place you at a higher risk for complications as well as foot and ankle problems. Checking your feet daily is an important part of your diabetic foot care routine. When checking your feet and ankles, you are looking for changes in skin texture of the foot and ankle, any wounds forming on the foot and ankle, existent wounds of the foot and ankle, any areas or pressure of the foot and ankle, or any other changes to the foot and ankle. If you notice any changes or concerns to your foot and ankle, make sure to contact your foot and ankle doctor for an appointment.
Besides urgent needs, preventive diabetic foot care is important. You should visit your foot doctor at least once a year to have your feet examined and tested for vascular conditions, neurological conditions, muscular conditions, skin conditions and evaluation for areas of pressure and more often if is determined that you have specific findings putting you at greater risk. Your foot doctor will discuss preventative measures with you as well as offer a variety of solutions to foot and ankle conditions.