Diabetes changes the way your feet heal and the way they feel. High blood sugar can damage the nerves that warn you about pain and narrow the blood vessels that carry healing to your skin. A blister, corn or ingrown nail that most people would shrug off can turn into an ulcer or infection. At Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center in Pensacola, Dr. Carl Speer, DPM helps people with diabetes find and treat foot problems early, while they are still small.
Why Diabetic Feet Need Extra Attention
- Peripheral neuropathy. Nerve damage can dull or remove the feeling in your feet. You may not notice a stone in your shoe, a burn or a cut.
- Reduced circulation. Less blood flow means slower healing and a higher chance of infection.
- Changes in foot shape. Bunions, hammertoes and collapsed arches create pressure points that can break down.
- Dry, fragile skin. Cracks in the heel give bacteria a way in.
The good news is that most serious diabetic foot problems start as something small and visible. Regular checks and prompt care make a real difference.
A Podiatrist With Diabetic Foot Training
Dr. Speer is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. His advanced training includes infection and diabetic reconstructive surgery, gained during his residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and his foot and ankle trauma and reconstructive surgical fellowship. He has also published research on reoperation and new ulceration after toe amputation in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, so he knows first-hand how important prevention is.
What a Diabetic Foot Exam Covers
A diabetic foot exam is a careful look at the things you cannot easily check yourself. It typically includes:
- Skin checks for cracks, blisters, sores, corns and calluses
- Nail checks for ingrown, thickened or fungal nails
- Sensation testing to look for signs of neuropathy
- Pulse and circulation checks
- A look at foot shape, joints and pressure points, with X-rays in the office when needed
- A review of your shoes and socks
Afterward, Dr. Speer explains what he found, how often you should be seen and what to watch for between visits.
Treating Problems Before They Become Wounds
Corns and calluses
Thick skin over a pressure point can hide damage underneath. Professional debridement removes it safely. See corn and callus removal.
Ingrown and fungal toenails
Nail problems are a common entry point for infection. We treat them conservatively and gently. See non-surgical ingrown toenail care and toenail fungus treatment.
Pressure relief
Accommodative custom orthotics and footwear guidance spread pressure away from high-risk spots.
Correcting deformities
When a bunion or hammertoe keeps creating a pressure point, correcting it can lower the risk of breakdown. Dr. Speer will weigh your circulation, blood sugar control and healing risk before recommending any surgery, including minimally invasive podiatric surgery.
Daily Foot Care at Home
- Look at both feet every day, including between the toes. Use a mirror or ask for help if you cannot see the soles.
- Wash in lukewarm water, test the temperature with your elbow and dry carefully between the toes.
- Moisturize the tops and bottoms of your feet, but not between the toes.
- Never walk barefoot, even at home or on the beach.
- Wear well-fitting shoes and clean, dry socks. Check inside your shoes before you put them on.
- Do not cut corns or use corn-removal liquids or plasters.
- Keep your blood sugar in your target range and keep up with your primary care or endocrinology visits.
Choosing Shoes and Socks With Diabetes
Look for shoes with a roomy, deep toe box, a firm heel counter and no seams rubbing across the toes. Shop late in the day, when feet are at their largest, and break new shoes in slowly while checking your feet for red marks. Choose seamless, moisture-wicking socks without tight bands. If you have neuropathy, never rely on feel alone to judge fit. Ask us to check your shoes at your visit.
Warning Signs: Call Us Promptly
- A sore, blister or cut that is not healing
- Redness, warmth, swelling or drainage
- A change in the color or temperature of your foot
- New numbness, burning or tingling
- A change in the shape of your foot or ankle
If you have a fever with a red, swollen foot, seek urgent care right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my feet checked if I have diabetes?
Everyone with diabetes should have a foot exam at least once a year. People with neuropathy, poor circulation or a past ulcer usually need to be seen more often. Dr. Speer will recommend a schedule for you.
Can a podiatrist help with neuropathy?
We can check for neuropathy, explain what it means for your feet and build a plan to protect them. Blood sugar control is managed with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist.
Is foot surgery safe if I have diabetes?
It can be, but it needs careful planning. Dr. Speer reviews your healing risk first, and less invasive techniques may be an option for some patients.
Will insurance cover a diabetic foot exam?
Many plans cover diabetic foot care when it is medically necessary. We are in-network with all major insurance providers, excluding Medicaid, and accept out-of-network plans. See insurance and surgical costs.
Protect Your Feet: Book a Diabetic Foot Exam
A small problem found today is much easier to treat than a wound found next month. Request an appointment with Emerald Coast Foot and Ankle Center at 4313 Spanish Trail, Pensacola, FL 32504, or call or text (850) 660-7778. See all of our podiatry services.