Diabetic Foot Care

• Reduced sensation, numbness, or burning in the feet
• Cuts, blisters, or pressure areas you did not feel happen
• Redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage
• Color changes in the skin
• A wound that does not heal
• Callus formation over pressure areas

• Nerve damage affecting protective sensation
• Reduced circulation
• Foot deformity and abnormal pressure
• Skin changes and delayed healing
• Prior ulceration or amputation

1. We review your symptoms, activity or injury history, footwear, and medical history.
2. We examine the skin, foot structure, sensation, and circulation along with the surrounding joints and the way you walk.
3. We use X-rays or other testing when the findings make it clinically appropriate.
4. We explain what we found and what the reasonable options are for your situation.

You will see Dr. Kayla Wright, DPM, ABFAS Board Certified, at our Tempe office. New to the practice? Review new-patient information before your visit.

A comprehensive foot evaluation generally includes skin inspection, assessment of foot structure, neurologic testing, and vascular assessment. People with sensory loss, prior ulceration or amputation, deformity, poor circulation, callus formation, or other high-risk findings may need more frequent surveillance.

1. Comprehensive foot evaluation
2. A surveillance interval based on your risk findings
3. Daily self-inspection and prompt reporting of changes
4. Protective footwear guidance, including therapeutic shoes when indicated
5. Professional care of calluses and nails rather than self-treatment
6. Wound care and coordinated evaluation when a wound is present

Do not cut your own corns or calluses, and avoid going barefoot when sensation is reduced.

With diabetes, report cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, drainage, color change, or wounds that do not heal promptly rather than waiting.

Some foot and ankle symptoms should be evaluated promptly rather than watched. Call our office if you notice:

• An injury with difficulty walking or bearing weight
• A change in the shape or appearance of the foot or ankle after a fall or twist
• Redness, warmth, drainage, or signs of infection
• An open sore or wound on the foot, especially with diabetes or circulation concerns
• New numbness, burning, or other changes in sensation
• Pain that keeps getting worse or does not improve with reasonable initial care

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This website and its appointment tools are not monitored for emergency medical needs.

How often should my feet be checked?

A comprehensive foot evaluation is part of routine diabetes care, and more frequent surveillance may be appropriate with sensory loss, deformity, poor circulation, prior ulcer, or prior amputation.

My feet look fine. Do I still need an exam?

Yes. A normal-looking foot does not rule out reduced sensation or reduced circulation, both of which are assessed during the exam.

Can I trim my own calluses?

No. Self-trimming is discouraged, and professional care is safer when sensation or circulation is affected.

To be seen for diabetic foot care, request an appointment or call 480-831-0700. Our office is at 3231 S Country Club Way, Suite 108, in Tempe — see directions and parking.