Diabetic Foot Care Specialist in Scottsdale, AZ

Diabetic foot care is a primary focus at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians because diabetes commonly causes nerve damage, known as neuropathy, significantly reducing sensation in the feet. Without proper sensation, patients may unknowingly sustain cuts, blisters, or sores, leading to delayed treatment and an increased risk of infection. Additionally, diabetes often impairs circulation to the feet, compromising the healing process and making patients more susceptible to ulcers and infections.

Even minor foot injuries, if overlooked or untreated, can rapidly escalate into severe complications, such as serious infections or even gangrene. In extreme cases, these complications can lead to limb amputation to halt the spread of infection. We emphasize proactive diabetic foot care to significantly minimize these risks, helping patients maintain mobility, independence, and optimal quality of life.

Our expert podiatrists recommend daily foot inspections, proper hygiene, and wearing comfortable, well-fitted footwear as crucial steps toward healthy feet. Promptly addressing any concerns or injuries is also essential. Regular appointments at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians allow our experienced specialists to identify issues early and implement effective treatment strategies tailored specifically to each patient’s needs, ensuring comprehensive management of diabetic foot complications.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we understand that diabetes significantly impacts the health and well-being of your feet. Diabetes can lead to various foot-related complications, primarily due to nerve damage (neuropathy), impaired circulation, and increased susceptibility to infections. Our experienced foot specialists are dedicated to helping diabetic patients maintain optimal foot health and prevent serious complications.

One common issue we frequently treat is diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which nerve damage causes numbness, tingling, pain, or loss of sensation in the feet. Reduced sensation often leads patients to overlook minor injuries such as cuts, blisters, or sores, potentially resulting in severe infections. Early detection and regular evaluations can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is another prevalent foot problem we address. PAD causes reduced blood flow and poor circulation in the feet, delaying wound healing and increasing risks of infections, diabetic ulcers, and even gangrene if untreated. Diabetic foot ulcers—open sores typically forming on the bottom or sides of the feet—can become chronic due to impaired healing in diabetic individuals. At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we specialize in wound care management, utilizing the latest medical techniques to treat and heal ulcers and prevent recurrence.

Diabetic patients also face a higher risk of fungal infections and skin conditions such as athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, and dry, cracked skin. Our podiatrists offer comprehensive care to address these common issues and provide preventive recommendations to maintain healthy skin and nails.

Additionally, diabetes may lead to structural deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or Charcot foot—a condition characterized by weakened bones and joints, foot deformities, and potential disability. Our specialists provide personalized treatment plans and surgical interventions when necessary to restore function and mobility.

We emphasize comprehensive diabetic foot care to prevent serious complications and maintain excellent foot health. Diabetes management plays a critical role in foot health, as uncontrolled blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, causing loss of sensation and impaired circulation in your feet. Our specialists recommend regular foot self-examinations to catch potential problems early. Daily checks for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or other changes can help you spot issues before they escalate.

Proper hygiene and skincare form an essential part of diabetic foot care. We stress washing your feet daily using mild soap and warm (never hot) water. Be sure to dry thoroughly, especially between your toes, to avoid fungal infections. Keeping your feet moisturized with lotion is also important to prevent dry, cracked skin—just avoid applying moisturizer between the toes, as excess moisture there can encourage fungal growth.

Choosing appropriate footwear is another crucial step in protecting your feet. Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians can help you select comfortable, well-fitting shoes that provide good support and cushioning. We advise wearing breathable socks without tight elastic bands to ensure good circulation and prevent irritation. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home, as it greatly increases your risk of injury and infection.

Regular visits to Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians allow our expert podiatrists to perform thorough foot examinations and diabetes-related assessments, catching potential concerns early and offering personalized care to prevent complications. We support your overall wellness by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity, proper nutrition, quitting smoking, and effectively managing blood pressure and cholesterol. Together, these steps help enhance your circulatory health, significantly lowering your risks for diabetic foot complications and improving your overall quality of life.

Managing diabetic foot health is essential, particularly in Arizona’s warm climate, where foot complications can develop and progress quickly. We emphasize the importance of early detection and prompt professional attention to protect your feet and overall health.

If you notice cuts, sores, or wounds on your feet that heal slowly or become worse over time, consult our podiatrists immediately. Symptoms such as swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness around a wound can indicate infection and require prompt evaluation from our medical team.

Pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in your feet may signal diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage. Our specialists at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians can thoroughly assess your condition and recommend appropriate care to prevent further complications.

Changes in foot shape or the emergence of new deformities such as hammertoes or bunions also warrant professional attention. Our experienced podiatrists can evaluate these conditions and offer personalized treatment solutions.
Unusual odors, discharge, or discoloration around foot wounds or sores suggest potential infection and should be addressed quickly. Additionally, skin changes such as dryness, cracking, or thickening—especially when accompanied by discomfort—should prompt a visit to our practice.

Regular checkups with the expert team at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians are vital, even if you haven’t yet noticed symptoms. Routine foot exams enable early diagnosis and intervention, significantly reducing the risk of serious diabetic foot complications and helping you maintain optimal foot health. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11390 E. Via Linda, Ste 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. We serve patients from Scottsdale AZ, Fountain Hills AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, Carefree AZ, Rio Verde AZ, and surrounding areas.