SOS’ podiatrists treat a variety of foot conditions and other common podiatry ailments. Foot problems most often happen when there is nerve damage, also called neuropathy. Neuropathy can cause tingling, pain, or weakness in the foot. It can also cause loss of feeling in the foot, so you can injure it and not know it. Poor blood flow or changes in the shape of your feet or toes may also cause problems. The SOS Podiatry team is comprised of experienced foot doctors serving Syracuse, NY and the surrounding areas.
The SOS Podiatry team includes Dr. Stephanie Hook, a board certified podiatrist trained in all types of podiatric medicine and surgery including rheumatologic conditions, pediatric podiatry, and diabetic foot care; and Dr. Christopher J. Fatti. Dr. Christopher Fatti has extensive training in diabetic foot & ulcer care and limb salvage techniques. He also specializes in elective foot surgery including bunion, hammertoes and other toe deformities, flatfoot deformity, heel pain, sports injuries, fracture care, and many other common foot ailments.
What is Diabetic Foot Care?
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin. The nerve and blood vessel damage caused by diabetes can also become a problem for your feet if you develop neuropathy (which occurs in about 70 percent of people with diabetes). Diabetes can cause changes in the skin of your foot - at times your foot may become very dry. The skin may peel and crack. The problem is that the nerves that control the oil and moisture in your foot no longer work. We depend on our feet to keep us moving. But when you have diabetes, your feet need special care - even a small foot problem can become very serious. So don’t take your feet for granted. By working with SOS’s Podiatry Specialists, you can learn how to protect your feet and keep them healthy.
Preparing for your Diabetes Foot Exam
An evaluation helps your healthcare provider check the condition of your feet. The evaluation includes a review of your diabetes history and overall health. It may also include a foot exam, X-rays, or other tests. These can help show problems beneath the skin that you can’t see or feel.
Schedule an Evaluation With our Foot & Ankle Doctors Today
Foot Exam
During the foot exam, our Specialized Podiatrists will check the condition of different areas of your foot. Your skin and nails are examined for any signs of infection; blood flow is checked by feeling for the pulses in each foot.
Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Preventing Problems
When you have diabetes, it’s easier to prevent problems than to treat them later on. Scheduling regular checkups with your foot care doctor will help ensure problems are caught earlier and a treatment plan can be made. Your healthcare team can also help you learn more about caring for your feet at home. For example, you may be told to avoid walking barefoot. Or you may be told that special footwear is needed to protect your feet.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Foot problems can develop quickly, so be sure to follow your healthcare provider's recommended schedule for regular checkups. During office visits, take off your shoes and socks as soon as you get in the exam room. Ask your healthcare provider to examine your feet for problems. This will make it easier to find and treat small skin irritations before they get worse. Regular checkups can also help keep track of the blood flow and feeling in your feet. If you have neuropathy (lack of feeling in your feet), you will need to have checkups more often.
For more information on Diabetic Foot Care, schedule an evaluation with our experts today.