A recent medical study shows that if diabetic patients suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer visit a professional podiatrist before the condition gets severe, it can save around $3.5 billion a year for the US healthcare system. Experienced and trained podiatrists in Jacksonville, FL, specializing in diagnosing and treating diabetic foot ulcers, can provide you with the best care.
In fact, if caught early, this disease doesn’t get a chance to set in, and you end up spending fewer dollars. In today’s blog, we are going to unfold the secret: HOW!
How Does Visiting a Podiatrist Help You Spend Fewer Healthcare Costs?
The slower the disease spreads, the more it saves on healthcare expenses. Now, how will considering podiatry services help you with this? Let us tell you.
According to experts, most diabetic patients don't feel anything in their feet eventually, which is called neuropathy. That’s why they often end up injuring their feet without realizing it. For example, one diabetic patient can keep walking all day without feeling the presence of a rock in the shoe. As a result, the rock rubs the same spot on his skin for hours, leading to a fresh wound. On the other hand, healing wounds is slow for diabetic patients compared to others, which increases the chances of infecting the area more. Unfortunately, many people lose their feet in this way.
It is important to address the signs of diabetic foot ulcers early before the disease sets in. For example:
Swelling:
As mentioned, wounds heal more slowly in the case of diabetic patients. Podiatrists ensure that there is no swelling or redness around the wound. If there is, the wound is still fresh, and unexpected swelling indicates the possibility of foot ulcers.
Corns, Blisters, and Calluses:
These kinds of foot conditions are the minor results of irritation and friction. For diabetic patients, these slight inconveniences can result in diabetic foot ulcers eventually due to continued irritation and slow healing of wounds if left unattended.
Numbness:
Numbness in the feet, also known as neuropathy, is a common problem in diabetic patients. According to a recent study, peripheral neuropathy can even impact the sensation of feet, especially around the area where diabetic foot ulcers develop. Podiatrists diagnose this condition closely, as it is a sign of a serious complication.
Firmness or pain:
Another sign of diabetic foot ulcers is firm skin that is painful to touch. Diabetic patients can experience thickening skin with a burning sensation around the wound. Sometimes, the pain isn’t felt due to nerve damage, which indicates developing a serious wound or infection.
Black Tissue:
This one is an alarming symptom of diabetic foot ulcers, especially when the black tissues are developing around the wound. It usually happens due to adequate circulation.
Receiving foot care podiatry treatments on a regular basis will allow professionals to observe these symptoms and new changes in the foot conditions and provide proper care and medications to prevent the disease from spreading further. It means fewer chances of serious complications, like diabetic foot ulcers, that will save you dollars and your feet.
In a Nutshell
When you have diabetes, any kind of foot wound is serious and should not be overlooked. Leaving it unattended can result in diabetic foot ulcers. Visiting podiatrists regularly can reduce the chances of such serious complications.
And, if you are seeking top-notch and reliable podiatry services in Jacksonville, FL, count on us. At Total Footcare Podiatry & Wound Clinic, our best podiatrists offer complete foot care services and medications using the latest technology, from diabetic foot care to heel pain to orthotics, ingrown nails, wound care, and much more.
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