Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes can quietly affect your feet in ways that make small issues more serious if left untreated. At Pomona Valley Podiatry, Dr. Brian O’Neill provides careful, ongoing evaluation to detect early signs of nerve damage, circulation problems, and skin changes. His goal is to prevent complications, protect your foot health, and help you maintain mobility and quality of life.
What is Diabetic Foot Care?
Diabetic foot conditions affect the feet, nerves, circulation, skin, and toenails, often developing due to prolonged high blood sugar levels that lead to nerve damage (Neuropathy) and reduced blood flow (Peripheral Arterial Disease). Clinically, these issues represent a spectrum of complications—including loss of feeling in the feet, poor circulation, skin breakdown, infection, and ulceration—caused by impaired sensation, decreased healing ability, and increased vulnerability to injury. Common symptoms include numbness or reduced sensitivity to pain and temperature, sharp or burning sensations (often at night), cold feet, slow-healing cuts or sores, dry or cracked skin, calluses, and changes in skin color.
When to start Diabetic Foot Care
-
- Numbness or reduced ability to feel pain or temperature
-
- Sharp or shooting pain, especially at night
-
- Cold feet compared to the rest of the body
-
- Slow-healing cuts or sores
-
- Calluses, or dry/cracked skin
-
- Changes in skin color (red, blue, or pale areas)
How We Treat Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetic foot issues are diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes physical examination, assessment of circulation and nerve function, and careful inspection of the skin and any wounds or infections, with imaging or lab testing used when deeper complications are suspected. Mild cases are managed with preventive care, regular monitoring, and education on proper footwear and foot hygiene. Moderate cases often require wound care, pressure offloading, painless debridement (removing tissue), and infection control, while severe cases may involve advanced wound management, vascular evaluation, possible hospitalization, and surgical intervention to prevent more serious complications that could lead to amputation.
Why choose
Pomona Valley Podiatry?
At Pomona Valley Podiatry, diabetic foot care focuses on early detection, prevention, and proactive treatment to reduce the risk of complications. Dr. Brian O’Neill understands the serious impact these conditions can have and works closely with each patient to create a personalized care plan. Through regular monitoring, protective strategies, and advanced treatments when necessary. His approach is designed to preserve foot health, support healing, and help you stay active and independent.