Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how the body uses blood sugar for energy. When blood sugar remains too high, it can gradually affect nerves and blood vessels throughout the body. The feet can be especially vulnerable because reduced sensation and poor circulation may make injuries harder to notice and heal. A small blister, cut, or sore can become a serious foot problem when it goes untreated. Learning how diabetes affects the feet can help you protect your comfort, mobility, and overall foot health.

Diabetes may damage nerves, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. This can cause numbness, tingling, or reduced feeling in the feet. High blood sugar can also affect blood vessels and reduce blood flow. When circulation is poor, the feet may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar, smoking, and a history of foot problems. Regular medical care and good blood sugar management can help lower the risk of complications.

Daily foot care is an important part of living with diabetes. Check both feet every day for cuts, blisters, or changes in the skin. Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap, then dry them carefully. Choose comfortable shoes that fit well, and avoid walking barefoot. Regular exercise can support healthy blood flow to the feet, while avoiding smoking can further protect circulation. If you notice a wound or unusual change, do not ignore it or wait for it to improve.

A podiatrist can help prevent and manage diabetes-related foot problems. During an examination, the podiatrist may check sensation, circulation, and areas of pressure. If a wound is present, treatment by a podiatrist may include cleaning, debridement, and infection management. The podiatrist may also recommend diabetic footwear or other protective measures. If you have diabetes and have developed foot problems,  it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you to manage this serious condition.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet, contact Kristina Robertson, DPM from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. The condition can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, especially the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

• Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.
• Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.
• Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels, as blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot injuries are a problem in construction, where workers face demanding surfaces and changing conditions. Wearing the wrong shoes can increase stress on the feet and ankles, and make movement less secure. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, or difficulty walking. Construction workers may experience injuries suddenly when they lose stability. Wearing proper footwear can help support safer movement.

Construction sites can create hazards for feet and ankles. Wet surfaces may become slippery, causing a sudden loss of stability and increasing the chance of a twist or fall. Poorly designed shoes may lack adequate slip resistance, making it harder to maintain traction. Additionally, insufficient cushioning can increase impact on the heels and joints during long hours of standing. Risk factors include worn-out soles, improper shoe size, and footwear that does not match site conditions.

Choosing slip-resistant work shoes is an important safety step. Look for sturdy footwear with soles designed to maintain traction on wet or uneven surfaces. Proper cushioning can help absorb impact and reduce daily stress on the feet. A podiatrist can evaluate pain after an injury and determine whether imaging is needed. Treatment may involve wearing protective footwear or immobilization. The podiatrist can also assess walking mechanics and recommend custom orthotics when needed.

Foot and ankle injuries should not be ignored if pain continues after leaving the construction site. A podiatrist can check for fractures, ligament damage, and other conditions that may affect safety and mobility. Early treatment can support healing and help prevent a minor injury from becoming a lasting problem. Workers can reduce risks by replacing damaged shoes and keeping footwear appropriate for job conditions. If you have foot or ankle injuries from working in construction, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Kristina Robertson, DPM from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged. These nerves carry messages about feeling and movement. Symptoms in the feet include numbness, tingling, or burning pain. Some patients notice sharp pain, muscle weakness, or sensitivity to touch. Balance can also suffer because the feet provide less reliable information about the ground. Symptoms can remain steady or come and go. Diabetes is a leading cause because high blood sugar can damage nerves in the lower limbs and feet. Other causes include physical injury, infection, or heavy alcohol use.

Loss of feeling in the feet can create serious risks. A patient might not notice a cut, blister, or pressure point because they do not feel the pain. Without prompt care, a small wound can develop into an ulcer or infection. Severe infections can damage tissue and raise the risk of limb loss. Weakness and poor balance can also make falls more likely. People with diabetes or known nerve damage can benefit from regular foot examinations. A podiatrist can check sensation, circulation, and muscle strength. The examination also includes a search for skin damage and changes in foot shape.

Podiatric treatment focuses on protecting the feet and addressing problems early. A podiatrist can trim thick nails safely, treat calluses, and care for wounds. These services matter when reduced feeling makes an injury more likely to be ignored. Custom orthotics can redistribute pressure and improve stability when weakness changes how weight is carried. A podiatrist can also recommend properly fitted shoes with enough room for the toes. Follow-up visits allow the doctor to monitor sensation, examine the skin, and respond to new concerns. Early diagnosis can limit further nerve damage, protect daily mobility, and preserve independence. If you have symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and management solutions.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Kristina Robertson, DPM from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a joint-related disease that develops when high levels of uric acid build up in the blood and form sharp crystals within a joint. These crystals often collect in the joints of the feet, especially the big toe, leading to sudden inflammation and intense discomfort. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, and severe joint pain that may limit normal movement. Risk factors may include genetic predisposition, gender differences, age-related metabolic changes, and dietary habits that increase uric acid production. Certain foods and beverages may contribute to elevated uric acid levels and trigger painful flare ups. A podiatrist can diagnose gout, help manage symptoms, and provide treatment to protect joint health. If you have symptoms of gout, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can verify the diagnosis and provide relief options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Kristina Robertson, DPM from Nola Sole Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New Orleans, LA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.