Diabetes is a serious health condition that is caused by too much sugar (glucose) in your blood.
If you’ve had diabetes for a long period of time, especially if it’s been untreated, it can lead to problems that require the expertise of diabetic feet specialist in Hagerstown.
How Does Diabetes Affect My Feet?
There are two common foot complications associated with diabetes:
- Diabetic neuropathy: Left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to nerve damage in your feet. This can make it impossible to feel sensations like hot, cold, or pain.
Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include but are not limited to numbness, tingling, sharp pains or cramps, muscle weakness, and other problems such as ulcers or infections.
- Peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This is a slow and progressive circulation disorder that narrows and /or blocks blood vessels. While it most commonly affects blood vessels in the legs and feet, PVD can also impact blood flow in other areas of your body.
There are several symptoms of PVD you should look out for including: weak pulses in the leg and feet, skin changes, wounds that won’t heal over pressure points, pain in your feet and legs while at rest, and numbness / weakness / heaviness in muscles.
How Does a Doctor Diagnose Diabetic Feet Problems?
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with a diabetic feet specialist in Hagerstown as soon as possible.
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and perform a visual diabetic foot exam. They might also perform tests such as a microfilament test or check your ankle reflexes.
Your treatment course will depend on the results of your exam and tests. While there is no way to reverse nerve damage, you might find relief from creams or physical therapy. Treatment for PVD includes lifestyle changes, medications, and in serious cases, surgery might be needed.
Where Can I Find the Best Diabetic Feet Specialist in Hagerstown?
If you suspect you have diabetic foot problems, trust your care to board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Aryeh L. Herrera.
With over 25 years of experience, you can rest assured you’ll get the comprehensive care you need.
Please do not delay treatment. Contact us at 301-739-7790 today, and let us help you be the healthiest you can be!