At Emerald Coast Podiatry, Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel are your local podiatrists in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach, FL. Diabetics have sensitive feet requiring extra care at home and through regular doctor visits. Our caring foot doctor can prevent and treat diabetic wounds.

What Causes Diabetic Wounds?

A diabetic ulcer can happen due to high sugar levels that damage the nerves and cause poor circulation. That circulation problem can cause a loss of sensation that can make it easy not to notice budding cuts, blisters, and infections. If those initially small wounds go untreated, they can turn into an ulcer.

Unfortunately, diabetes can also complicate the immune system. When your immune system has decreased, it can be hard for your body to fight off infection or for your body to heal itself. As a result, ulcers form more easily, particularly on the lower extremities. 

How Can a Podiatrist Help?

Your local podiatrist, Dr. Riccardi, has many options to help you improve your diabetic foot care and prevent the onset of ulcers or treat them if they occur. Make sure you attend all your regularly scheduled appointments with your podiatrist, and don't be afraid to schedule extra ones if you notice budding injuries. Early intervention from Dr. Riccardi may prevent a small cut or sore from becoming an ulcer. 

Certain medical pedicures can ensure that your feet are in good shape as your doctor can properly clip your toenails to avoid ingrown toenails and related infections. He will advise you on daily home foot routines, like keeping your feet moisturized with the right products, as dry cracked skin can also develop into sores or ulcers. He can safely remove corns and calluses that can be painful and eventually become sores if they rub against the inside of your shoes. Orthotics, which are custom shoe inserts, can reduce the risk for ulcer formation by cushioning the feet and redistributing pressure when you walk or stand.

Contact Our Podiatrist Near You Today

You can prevent and treat diabetic wounds in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach, FL, through quality professional foot care and practicing the right daily routines. Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel are your caring foot doctors at Emerald Coast Podiatry, and we look forward to seeing you.

• Call (850) 862-4119 in Fort Walton Beach, FL
• Call (850) 682-6522 in Crestview, FL

Schedule your appointment today.