Diabetic Footcare Specialist

Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Normal, IL & Pontiac, IL

If you have diabetes, you need to pay extra attention to your feet. Around 50% of adults with diabetes have nerve damage in their feet, and many others have circulation and immune system problems. At Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic in Normal and Pontiac, Illinois, the foot care specialists offer all-encompassing diabetic foot care, from preventive care to wound healing and diabetic footwear. You can count on experienced podiatrists Craig Cortese, DPM, FACFAS, Steve Yeschek, DPM, and Carl Cortese, BS, DPM, FACFAS, for compassionate care, so book your appointment by calling the office nearest you or clicking on the online appointment tool.

Diabetic Footcare Q & A

How does diabetes affect the feet?

Diabetes can seriously damage your nervous and circulatory systems. Often, people with diabetes have a poorly functioning immune system, too. All of this affects the feet in many ways.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage can cause sensation loss in your feet. Blisters, cuts, or other normally small issues can become major problems when you're not aware of them. For example, a blister can burst and become an open wound without you feeling it. Nerve damage can also cause sharp foot pain.

Circulatory system damage

Because of poor circulation, wound healing can be challenging with diabetes. Open wounds can quickly turn into ulcers, and the damage may spread inward. Infection may set in because of poor immune function.

In the most severe situations, an unchecked infection may need limb amputation. But, with regular diabetic foot care at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic, you can protect your feet and whole-body health.

When should I see the podiatrist for diabetic foot care?

The American Diabetes Association recommends annual diabetes foot exams. When you have diabetes, problems can worsen rapidly, so early detection and treatment are essential in preserving your foot health.

Your Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic podiatrist can detect nerve and blood vessel damage even before you show any symptoms. This means you can make changes now to avoid severe foot issues later.

Your podiatrist can also treat foot problems like bunions, calluses, corns, blisters, and ingrown toenails immediately. They perform wound dressing and healing on-site if you have ulcers or other serious damage.

Your podiatrist can also treat pain related to nerve damage with the innovative MLS laser system. They offer Medicare-approved diabetic foot surgery when needed.

You can also visit Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic when you need custom orthotics and diabetic footwear with breathable fabric, wide toe boxes, deep heels, and no irritating seams.

What can I do at home to avoid diabetic foot damage?

Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic generally recommends:

Check, clean, and moisturize your feet changes daily
Never apply heat to your feet
Don't use topical medication unless prescribed
Wear loose clothing
Never remove corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails yourself
Cut toenails straight across
Monitor blood sugar closely
Maintain a healthy diet
Examine shoes and socks before wearing
If you smoke, quit

When you combine good foot care with regular podiatric care visits, you can prevent dire outcomes.

Call Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic or click the online scheduler for diabetic foot care.