While proper foot care should be a part of everyone’s daily regimen, those who suffer from diabetes should be especially diligent about checking heels, toes, spaces, and balls of the feet for damage. As nearly half of Americans with diabetes eventually develop neuropathy, the chances of foot wounds going unnoticed are significantly increased. Without the necessary foot treatment to resolve such minor issues, they can grow into major diabetic foot deformities or ulcers that require surgical intervention. As an adult foot specialist with years of experience in diabetic foot care, Dr. Leslie Niehaus of Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic in Alliance, Ohio, and Salem, Ohio, is able to provide the advice and treatment that diabetic patients require in order to keep their feet healthy. In addition to following Dr. Niehaus’ advice, diabetes sufferers throughout Canton, Ohio; Ravenna, Ohio; and Minerva, Ohio, are encouraged to visit one of this podiatry clinic’s locations for routine checkups.
Along with being a severe disease in itself, diabetes can also lead to secondary conditions such as neuropathy. While some diabetics experience pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities, others have no symptoms of diabetic neuropathy at all. This is extremely dangerous as any injury to the foot can go unnoticed. Minor scrapes can then develop into diabetic foot deformities or ulcers that, if left untreated, can cause an infection. Despite today’s medical advancements, some diabetics with serious infections have still had to have limbs amputated in order to rid themselves of gangrene.
In order to avoid having to resort to such drastic foot treatments, the adult foot specialist from Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic in Salem and Alliance encourages patients to make diabetic foot care a part of their daily lives. Not only should you inspect your feet for cuts and mild injuries every day, but you should also wear comfortable shoes, avoid extreme temperatures, trim toenails regularly, avoid the use of antiseptics without doctor supervision, and never attempt to remove foot lesions yourself.
Though proper diabetic foot care is important, you should also make regular trips to your podiatry clinic. Despite taking all of the appropriate measures, diabetic foot deformities and ulcers can still arise as the use of insulin increases the risks for such issues. However, making an appointment with Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic a few times a year can ensure that you get the foot treatment you need to prevent minor issues from developing into major problems. In the event that you find yourself with an ulcer or other potentially dangerous wound, taking the trip from your Canton, Ravenna, or Minerva home to Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic will allow you to speak to an adult foot specialist that can recommend the best course of action.
If diabetic foot care isn’t already a part of your daily regimen, make sure to incorporate the tips provided by the adult foot specialist at this local podiatry clinic. If you’d like to learn more about the connection between diabetes and foot conditions, visit the website for Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic at www.alliancefootandankleclinic.com. If you’d like to set up a regular appointment with Dr. Niehaus, or you require an immediate foot treatment for any diabetic foot deformities or ulcers you may be suffering from, make sure to call the location nearest your Canton, Ohio; Ravenna, Ohio; or Minerva, Ohio, home.
Niehaus Foot & Ankle Clinic
www.alliancefootandankleclinic.com
440 E State St
Alliance, Ohio
330.821.6438
295 N Ellsworth
Salem, Ohio
Ph: 330.332.5750