Diabetes and Your Feet

Diabetes is a lifelong chronic disease that is caused by high levels of sugar in the blood. It can also decrease your body's ability to fight off infections, which is especially harmful in your feet. When diabetes is not properly controlled, damage can occur to the organs and impairment of the immune system is also likely to occur.

With damage to your nervous system, you may not be able to feel your feet properly. Normal sweat secretion and oil production that lubricates the skin of the foot is impaired, which can lead to an abnormal pressure on the skin, bones, and joints of the foot during walking and other activities. This can even lead to the breakdown of the skin of the foot, which often causes sores to develop. If you have diabetes, it is important to prevent foot problems before they occur, recognize problems early, and seek the right treatment when a problem does happen.

Diabetic Complications and Your Feet

When it comes to your feet, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing foot problems and diabetic infections in the legs and feet. First of all, poorly fitting shoes are one of the biggest culprits of diabetic foot complications. If you have red spots, sore spots, blisters, corns, calluses, or consistent pain associated with wearing shoes, new proper fitted shoes must be obtained immediately. Additionally, if you have common foot abnormalities such as flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes, prescription shoes or orthotics from your podiatrist may be necessary to further protect your feet from other damage.

People who have long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes are also at risk for having damage to the nerves in their feet, which is known in the medical community as peripheral neuropathy. If you have nerve damage, you may not be able to feel your feet normally and you may also be unable to sense the position of your feet and toes while walking and balancing, which can cause even more harm to your feet.

Normal nerves allow people to sense if their shoes are too tight or if their shoes are rubbing on the feet too much. With diabetes, you may not be able to properly sense minor injuries, such as cuts, scrapes and blisters-all signs of abnormal wear, tear, and foot strain. The following can also compromise the health of your feet:

  • Poor circulation
  • Trauma to the foot
  • Infections
  • Smoking

Diabetes can be extremely dangerous to your feet, so take precautions now. You can avoid serious problems such as losing a toe, foot, or leg by following proper prevention techniques offered by your podiatrist. Remember, prevention is the key to saving your feet and eliminating pain.

Our Location

7525 Greenway Center Dr #112 Greenbelt, MD 20770

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "This was my first appointment. It was very welcoming and very helpful. The information shared was done in a friendly and easy to understand manner. I highly recommend their services.

    Dr. Cohen was the physician that I saw. He was excellent."
    Ralph M
  • "In my opinion Dr. Richard Cohen is not only an outstanding doctor but man integrity. I highly recommend him each time footsore is the subject in a conversation. He offers helpful information all the time and my feet are the better because of it. Thank you sir."
    John F
  • "Total Foot Care represents its name well with professional staff and qualified physicians. You receive also a little pampering."
    Cheryl M
  • "Great experience! Having surgery in a pandemics is not an easy discussion to make. Dr. Cohen and his staff made me feel safe and comfortable. Everyone was friendly."
    Delaine S
  • "Dr. Sassoon was very friendly and knowledgeable. This was my first time visiting a podiatrist and he made sure I was comfortable and I was informed about my care. The receptionist and other staff were all very professional and kind during my visit. I will definitely recommend to others!"
    Kanisha B
  • "I have been a patient at Total Foot Care for many years. I have always found Dr. Cohen and his staff to be thoroughly professional. The care that I have gotten here has always been top-notch. I do not hesitate to recommend them."
    Robert H
  • "Dr. Cohen was very professional and caring. He explained my condition and advised on the property care."
    Mary T
  • "Dr. Sassoon is simply the best! He does a great job on keeping my toenails in good health......and he is very gentle in his approach to make everything pain free. I would recommend him to all my family and friends without any fears.

    He also has a wonderful personality and I enjoy every visit with him."
    Bernice M
  • "Wonderful experience! Courteous, calm, friendly staff. Everything is spotless."
    Nancy M
  • "I can finally walk around pain free."
    Stephanie De Leon
  • "Dr. Cohen, DPM provided me with excellent care when I needed it the most."
    Jennifer R.