When you’re living with diabetes, your feet need more than just occasional attention; they need daily care. Even something as small as a blister or a callus can spiral into a serious medical issue if ignored. 

In fact, about one in three people with diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer during their lifetime, and of those, nearly one in five may face amputation. That’s why early action matters. If you're noticing numbness, pain, skin changes, or slow-healing wounds, don’t wait; your feet may be trying to tell you something important.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about diabetic foot issues and where to find expert help from the best foot and ankle doctor in Huntington Park.

What Are the Most Common Diabetic Foot Problems?

The signs and symptoms of diabetic foot problems typically begin with three main issues that require attention: 

  • Neuropathy: This is nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, or pain in your feet, making it difficult to feel injuries when they occur. This decreased sensation means you might not notice cuts, blisters, or other wounds until they've become serious. 
  • Foot ulcers: These are open sores or wounds that commonly develop on the bottom of the feet where pressure is greatest. These ulcers can quickly become infected and, if untreated, may lead to hospitalization or even amputation.
  • Calluses, corns, and cracked skin: These foot issues are due to pressure points and dry skin. These seemingly minor issues can create openings for infection and should never be ignored, as proper moisture and pressure relief are essential for prevention.

What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Infections?

Diabetic foot ulcers and infections develop from a combination of factors that create the perfect storm for foot problems. Poor circulation stands as a primary culprit, as high blood sugar damages and narrows blood vessels over time, reducing the vital flow of oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. 

This circulatory problem is compounded when injuries occur but go unnoticed; a common scenario when neuropathy has dulled sensation in the feet. Something as simple as a blister from tight shoes or a small scrape can quickly deteriorate into a serious wound when you can't feel the pain that would normally alert you to the problem. 

Further complicating matters, diabetes compromises your immune response, making your body less efficient at fighting bacteria and healing wounds. This triple threat, reduced blood flow, undetected injuries, and weakened immune function, explains why even minor foot issues can rapidly escalate into dangerous infections for people with diabetes.

How Do You Know If You Have a Serious Foot Problem?

Recognizing when a diabetic foot problem has become serious requires vigilance since your body's normal warning systems may be compromised. Watch for visible signs of infection such as: 

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Warmth
  • Pus or drainage 
  • Odor

These symptoms demand immediate medical attention, not home remedies or waiting to see if it gets any better. More alarming indicators include a foul odor coming from your foot or areas of black tissue, which may signal tissue death, a condition known as gangrene, or an advanced infection that could threaten not just your foot but your overall health. 

Additionally, pay attention to changes in sensation, whether it's a complete loss of feeling in an area that previously had some sensation, or sudden, intense pain in a normally numb foot. These sensory changes often indicate a significant problem developing beneath the surface. 

When Should You See a Podiatrist or Wound Care Specialist?

If you have diabetes, certain foot conditions need to have professional attention from a podiatrist who specializes in diabetic foot care in Huntington Park or a wound care specialist, rather than primary care alone: 

  • Recurring sores or wounds that haven't improved after one to two days require specialized treatment, as these specialists have advanced tools and techniques to address stubborn wounds before they lead to serious infections or bone involvement. 
  • New bunions, hammertoes, unusual redness, color changes, or temperature differences between feet, as these could signal underlying structural problems or vascular issues that need expert evaluation. 

Even without obvious problems, regular diabetic foot exams are essential for lowering your risk of infection, especially bacterial infection of the foot. Most diabetes management guidelines recommend seeing a podiatrist at least once yearly for comprehensive diabetic foot care, with more frequent visits if you have neuropathy, previous foot ulcers, or other risk factors.

What Are the Best Treatments for Diabetic Foot Problems?

Effective treatment options for diabetic foot problems take a holistic approach tailored to the severity of your condition: 

  • For active ulcers, wound debridement, where a healthcare professional carefully removes dead tissue, is often the crucial first step, followed by specialized dressings that maintain the ideal moisture balance and protect against infection while the wound heals. 
  • To prevent new or recurring problems, custom footwear and orthotics designed for your feet play a vital role by redistributing pressure away from vulnerable areas and accommodating foot deformities that might otherwise lead to new wounds. 
  • For stubborn or complex wounds that don't respond to standard care, advanced therapies offer additional options. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, growth factor treatments stimulate healing, and skin substitutes or grafts can help close wounds that will not heal on their own. 

How Can You Prevent Diabetic Foot Complications?

Preventing diabetic foot complications requires developing consistent habits that protect your feet from harm: 

  • Start with daily foot checks, a simple but powerful routine where you thoroughly examine both feet for any blisters, corns or calluses, cuts, redness, swelling, or changes in skin color. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet if necessary. Don't skip areas between toes where problems often begin, unnoticed. 
  • Equally important is maintaining your blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and exercise as recommended by your healthcare provider, since consistent glucose levels directly support better circulation, nerve function, and wound healing capacity. 
  • Complete your prevention strategy by moisturizing your feet daily and wearing proper, well-fitted shoes at all times, even indoors.

Where to Find the Best Foot and Ankle Doctor in Huntington Park for Diabetic Foot Care

Your feet do a lot of work, especially when you're managing diabetes, and they deserve care that understands that. At La Clinica de Los Pies, we take a hands-on, personalized approach to diabetic foot care, listening closely to your concerns and tailoring every treatment to your lifestyle and physical demands. 

Dr. Ebram Abdelmalak is a board-certified podiatrist who offers expert care with compassion and attention, whether you're dealing with early nerve changes, persistent foot ulcers, or just need guidance on preventive steps. 

We proudly serve the Huntington Park community with same-day appointments, accessible payment options, and a commitment to making sure your feet stay strong, healthy, and pain-free for the long run.

Ready to protect your quality of life by getting essential diabetic foot care from the best foot and ankle doctor in Huntington Park?