Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes demands vigilant foot monitoring. Small problems — a blister, a cut, reduced sensation — can escalate quickly when circulation and nerve function are compromised. Regular professional exams catch these issues before they become serious.
Symptoms
- An open wound or sore that isn't healing
- Redness, warmth, or swelling in the foot
- Discoloration or darkening of skin
- Drainage or unusual odor from any wound
- New numbness or tingling in the feet
- Skin cracks, blisters, or calluses that feel different than before
Who Gets It
Anyone living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes faces elevated foot risk. The three compounding challenges are neuropathy (reduced sensation from nerve damage), poor circulation (slower healing and higher infection risk), and immune changes that impair the body's ability to fight infection. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation — but preventive care directly addresses that risk.
Austin's active community includes a significant diabetic population, particularly among older residents in areas like Sun City Georgetown and established neighborhoods in Northwest Austin. Staying mobile matters. Dr. Wokasien has been managing diabetic foot conditions since 1979 and understands how to keep patients walking safely.
Treatment
During a diabetic foot exam, Dr. Wokasien checks:
- Skin integrity — looking for cracks, blisters, ulcers, or calluses that could break down
- Sensation testing — identifying areas of neuropathy
- Circulation — checking pulses and capillary refill
- Toenail condition — trimming nails safely to prevent ingrown nails and infection
- Shoe fit — ensuring footwear protects rather than creates pressure points
- Deformities — monitoring bunions, hammertoes, or Charcot foot changes
Most diabetic patients benefit from exams every 3-6 months depending on risk level. Patients with active neuropathy, prior ulcers, or circulation issues may need more frequent monitoring.
When to Call
Contact us right away if you notice an open wound or sore that isn't healing, redness or warmth in the foot, skin discoloration, drainage or unusual odor, or new numbness. Call (512) 250-0444. Saturday appointments are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a diabetic patient see a podiatrist?
Most patients benefit from exams every 3-6 months. Your frequency depends on your current risk level — active neuropathy, circulation issues, or a history of ulcers warrants more frequent visits. Dr. Wokasien will establish the right schedule based on your specific situation.
Can I trim my own toenails if I have diabetes?
It depends on your circulation and sensation. Patients with neuropathy or poor circulation should have nails trimmed professionally. Even a small nick from improper trimming can lead to infection when healing is compromised. It's a low-effort visit that prevents much bigger problems.
What shoes are safest for diabetic feet?
Shoes with a wide toe box, good depth, and no internal seams that create pressure points. Dr. Wokasien checks shoe fit during every diabetic exam — a shoe that looks fine can be creating hidden damage in a foot with reduced sensation.
What is Charcot foot?
Charcot foot is a serious complication of neuropathy in which the bones of the foot weaken and fracture without the patient feeling significant pain. Caught early, it's treatable. Missed, it can lead to severe deformity. Dr. Wokasien monitors for early signs at every diabetic exam.
My diabetes is well-controlled. Do I still need regular foot exams?
Yes. Good blood sugar control reduces risk but doesn't eliminate it. Nerve and circulation changes can be present even in well-managed diabetes. Regular exams catch problems early, when they're straightforward to treat.
How do I check my own feet at home?
Daily. Use a mirror for the bottom of your feet if you can't see them directly. Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, and any skin changes. Call us immediately if you see anything you don't recognize — don't wait to see if it resolves on its own.
What's the connection between diabetic foot care and amputation prevention?
Most diabetes-related amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer that wasn't caught early enough. Regular professional monitoring, combined with daily self-exams and proper footwear, breaks that chain. Prevention is straightforward when it starts before a wound develops.