Diabetic Foot Care Specialist
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Tobin C Gallawa, DPM, FACFAS
Board Certified Podiatrist located in Sacramento, CA
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects nearly 3 million people in California and increases the risk of other health complications, including foot problems. Board-certified podiatrist Tobin C. Gallawa, DPM, FACFAS, in Sacramento, California, specializes in diabetic foot care and takes a preventive and proactive approach to improve foot health and reduce risk of more serious health complications. For comprehensive and compassionate diabetic foot care, call the offices of Tobin C. Gallawa DPM FACFAS today.
Diabetic Foot Care Q&A
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that causes higher than normal blood sugar levels. The sugar in your blood, also called glucose, provides energy for your cells and comes from the food you eat. Insulin is a hormone made in your pancreas responsible for getting sugar from your blood into the cells.
If you have diabetes, your pancreas either isn’t making insulin, called type 1 diabetes, or the insulin is malfunctioning, called type 2 diabetes. Over time, the excess sugar in your blood damages your blood vessels, as well as organs and nerves, increasing your risk of other health complications, including heart disease, neuropathy, and foot problems.
How does diabetes affect foot health?
If you have diabetes, you’re at a higher risk of developing foot problems due to the nerve damage caused by your elevated sugars. Your nerve damage usually starts in the toes and feet and may cause pain and numbness and cause you to lose feeling in your feet.
If you have a cut or blister, you may not be aware because you can’t feel the pain sensations. Additionally, because of the damage to your blood vessels, diabetes also affects circulation to your feet, which delays wound healing.
Lack of sensory information and poor wound healing may increase your risk of developing a serious infection that may be difficult to treat or require amputation.
What is diabetic foot care?
Diabetic foot care is a form of preventive health aimed at reducing your risk of developing foot problems. Dr. Gallawa is an experienced podiatrist who provides diabetic foot care focused on preventing diabetic foot wounds. During your visits he:
- Carefully inspects your feet
- Removes corns or calluses
- Trims your toenails
- Treats any foot issues, such as toenail fungus, warts, or ingrown toenails
He may also provide recommendations on footwear, recommend you use foot padding, or prescribe custom-made orthotics. Dr. Gallawa also spends time talking to you about your diabetes and how it affects your foot and what you can do at home to keep your feet healthy.
Dr. Gallawa is also a board-certified foot surgeon and specializes in limb salvage procedures in people with diabetes and provides expert wound care for diabetic foot ulcers to promote healing.
How often do I need diabetic foot care?
Dr. Gallawa determines how often you need diabetic foot care based on your personal health needs. However, you should see Dr. Gallawa at least once a year. He also recommends you contact him immediately whenever a problem arises.
To schedule your diabetic foot care appointment, call Dr. Gallawa’s office today.
