If you have diabetes, it’s important to visit the podiatrist at least once a year. Routine diabetic foot care check-ups can identify potentially serious issues and reduce the risk of complications. At Foot and Ankle Institute of Iowa, podiatrist Rudolph La Fontant, DPM, provides comprehensive diabetic foot care to people of all ages, including complete diabetic foot workups and treatment of neuropathic conditions. To make an appointment at the practice in Des Moines, Iowa, call the office today or click the online booking feature.
request an appointmentWhat is diabetic foot care?
Diabetic foot care provides a comprehensive suite of podiatry services to people with diabetes.
Diabetes is a group of chronic ailments that affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. If your blood sugar levels are consistently high for an extended period, you’re more likely to experience permanent nerve damage, poor circulation, and slow-healing wounds.
When combined, these factors increase the risk of potentially serious issues, including infection, gangrene, or amputation. Regular check-ups with Dr. La Fontant can keep your feet healthy and problem-free for years to come.
What does a diabetic foot care appointment involve?
A diabetic foot care appointment features several steps, including:
Step one – Complete diabetic foot work up
First, Dr. La Fontant reviews your medical history and physically examines your feet, toes, and ankles. Then, he asks a series of questions, including how often you exercise, the type of food you eat, and if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Next, Dr. La Fontant orders blood work and tests you for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A PAD test compares the blood pressure in your arm with the blood pressure in your ankle. A reading of 0.90 while resting means you have peripheral arterial disease.
Step two – Treatment recommendations
Once Dr. La Fontant confirms your diagnosis, he makes treatment recommendations. If you have mild type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you might benefit from eating a more balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing your stress levels.
If you have a more serious case of type 2 diabetes, or you have type 1 diabetes, Dr. La Fontant coordinates care with your primary care physician. Your PCP can prescribe insulin therapy and other medication if necessary. In the meantime Dr. La Fontant teaches you how to inspect and care for your feet each day.
Step three – Prescription diabetic shoes
If you’ve had diabetes for several years and you also experience foot problems, like slow-healing wounds, athlete’s foot, or blisters, Dr. La Fontant prescribes diabetic shoes. Diabetic shoes have extra padding and reduce the risk of skin breakdown.
Dr. La Fontant carries several types of brand-name diabetic shoes, including those from Apex®, Brooks®, and New Balance®.
Why is diabetic foot care important?
Diabetic foot care is important because it can significantly reduce the risk of potentially serious complications. Even though there’s no cure for diabetes, routine visits to Dr. La Fontant can keep your feet, toes, and ankles healthy and problem-free.
If you need diabetic foot care, make an appointment at the Foot and Ankle Institute of Iowa by calling the office today or clicking the online scheduling feature.