Diabetes can have a significant impact on foot health, increasing the risk of nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation, infections, and ulcers. Without proper care, minor foot issues can develop into serious complications, including wounds that may not heal properly. At FitFeet in Merrick, NY, we provide specialized diabetic foot care to help you prevent problems and maintain healthy, pain-free feet.
People with diabetes are more prone to foot problems due to:
✔ Nerve Damage (Neuropathy) – Can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation, making it difficult to detect injuries.
✔ Poor Circulation – Slows down the healing process and increases the risk of infection.
✔ Increased Risk of Infection – Even small cuts or blisters can turn into serious wounds if not properly managed.
✔ Foot Deformities – Diabetes can lead to conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and Charcot foot.
Regular podiatric check-ups and at-home care are essential for preventing serious complications.
Neuropathy can cause burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain in the feet. Because sensation is reduced, minor cuts or injuries may go unnoticed, leading to infections.
Diabetic ulcers are open sores that don’t heal properly, often appearing on the bottom of the foot. Without treatment, they can lead to serious infections or even amputation.
We provide safe and effective treatments for fungal toenails and skin infections, which are more common in diabetics due to weakened immunity.
Thickened skin can become painful and prone to ulceration. We safely remove calluses and corns to prevent complications.
Diabetes can weaken bones in the foot, causing structural deformities and swelling. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent permanent damage.
✔ Regular screenings to detect early signs of neuropathy, poor circulation, and infections.
✔ Vascular testing to assess blood flow and circulation in the feet.
✔ Professional treatment for diabetic ulcers, cuts, blisters, and infections.
✔ Advanced wound healing techniques to prevent complications.
✔ Diabetic-friendly shoes and custom orthotics to relieve pressure and reduce the risk of foot injuries.
✔ Specialized insoles and padding to prevent ulcers and calluses.
✔ Safe nail trimming to prevent ingrown toenails and fungal infections.
✔ Treatment for dry, cracked skin to reduce the risk of infections.
✔ Personalized tips on daily foot inspections, proper hygiene, and footwear choices.
✔ Guidance on managing blood sugar levels to support foot health.
✔ Check your feet daily – Look for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.
✔ Keep feet clean and dry – Wash with mild soap and moisturize to prevent cracking.
✔ Trim nails properly – Cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
✔ Wear protective shoes – Avoid walking barefoot, even indoors.
✔ Control blood sugar levels – Helps prevent nerve damage and circulation issues.
Diabetic foot problems can develop quickly, so early intervention is key to preventing complications. At FitFeet in Merrick, we offer expert care tailored to the unique needs of diabetics.
Take control of your foot health today—schedule your diabetic foot exam at FitFeet in Merrick!
A bunion is a painful, bony bump that develops on the joint at the base of your big toe. Bunions occur if one or more bones in the front portion of your foot become misaligned, causing your big toe to pull forward and put pressure on your smaller toes. Ultimately, this causes the joint at the bottom of your big toe to push outward, leading to stiffness, swelling, and redness.
Bunions develop for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they’re the result of wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes with a small toe box. Other times, they occur as a result of a foot deformity or a chronic medical condition such as osteoarthritis.
The symptoms associated with bunions depend on their size, location, and the underlying cause. However, telltale signs include:
As a bunion progresses, you might also have difficulty finding a pair of shoes that fit comfortably over the bunion, or you might develop hammertoe.
To diagnose bunions, Dr. Stepensky at Fit Feet Podiatry physically examines your foot, asks you questions about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and takes a series of orthopedic X-rays. He might also ask you to stand up, sit down, and walk around the exam room so he can monitor your gait and posture.
Whenever possible, Dr. Stepensky uses conservative, integrative treatments to relieve bunion pain. If your bunion isn’t interfering with your mobility, he might recommend wearing a different pair of shoes with a wider toe box and additional padding. On the other hand, if your bunion causes you pain, custom orthotics or cortisone injections might be necessary.
If your pain persists for months at a time with little or no relief even after conservative measures of care, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Stepensky offers minimally invasive bunionectomy procedures using arthroscopy and endoscopy to relieve swelling, ease pain, and improve your mobility.
If bunions are preventing you from participating in your favorite activities, make an appointment at Fit Feet Podiatry today–call the office or click the online booking tool to begin.
