Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
If you have diabetes, your feet need special attention. Diabetes can cause two serious complications that affect your feet:
- Diabetic neuropathy — Nerve damage that causes numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation. You might not feel injuries, blisters, or sores.
- Poor circulation — Reduced blood flow makes it harder for wounds to heal and increases infection risk.
Together, these complications can lead to foot ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, amputation. The good news: Most diabetic foot complications are preventable with proper care.
Critical Warning
People with diabetes are 25 times more likely to experience lower limb amputation than those without diabetes. Regular diabetic foot exams can reduce this risk by up to 85%. Don't wait for problems — prevention is key.
Annual Diabetic Foot Exam — What's Included
Medicare and most insurance plans cover an annual diabetic foot exam. During your visit with Dr. Tu A. Dao in Denton, we perform a comprehensive evaluation including:
Sensory Testing
Monofilament testing to check for loss of protective sensation and nerve function.
Circulation Assessment
Pulse checks, capillary refill time, and evaluation of blood flow to your feet.
Skin Inspection
Thorough examination for cracks, sores, calluses, fungal infections, or early ulcers.
Structural Evaluation
Checking for deformities, pressure points, and biomechanical issues that could cause problems.
Risk Assessment
Classifying your risk level and creating a personalized prevention plan.
Education & Guidance
Teaching you daily foot care habits and warning signs to watch for at home.
Diabetic Foot Services We Provide
Preventive Care
- Annual comprehensive diabetic foot exams
- Regular nail and callus care (every 2-3 months for high-risk patients)
- Custom diabetic shoes and orthotics (Medicare-covered when qualified)
- Patient education on daily foot inspection and care
- Recommendations for proper footwear and socks
Wound Care & Ulcer Treatment
- Advanced wound debridement and cleaning
- Offloading pressure with special boots, casts, or inserts
- Infection management and antibiotic coordination
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy referrals when needed
- Close monitoring until complete healing
Neuropathy Treatment
- Medications to manage nerve pain
- Topical treatments for symptom relief
- Nerve stimulation therapies
- Lifestyle and blood sugar optimization guidance
See a Diabetic Foot Doctor Regularly
Even if you have no foot problems, see a podiatrist at least once a year if you have diabetes. High-risk patients (those with neuropathy, poor circulation, or previous ulcers) should be seen every 2-3 months. Early detection saves feet — and potentially lives.
Daily Foot Care Checklist for Diabetics
What You Should Do Every Day
- ✓ Inspect both feet thoroughly (use a mirror if needed)
- ✓ Wash feet in lukewarm water and dry completely, especially between toes
- ✓ Apply moisturizer to prevent cracking (but not between toes)
- ✓ Check inside shoes before putting them on
- ✓ Wear clean, dry socks (moisture-wicking preferred)
- ✓ Never walk barefoot — even indoors
- ✓ Trim toenails straight across and file edges
- ✓ Keep blood sugar under good control
Call Us Immediately If You Notice:
- Any cut, sore, blister, or ulcer on your foot
- Redness, warmth, or swelling
- Drainage or pus from a wound
- Change in foot color (pale, blue, or black areas)
- New or worsening pain
- Fever along with any foot problem
- Ingrown toenails or fungal infections
Why Choose Our Denton Diabetic Foot Specialists?
At North Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, we understand the unique challenges diabetes creates for foot health. Dr. Tu A. Dao provides:
- Expertise in Diabetic Complications — Extensive experience treating diabetic foot conditions
- Prevention-Focused Approach — We catch problems before they become emergencies
- Advanced Wound Care — Latest techniques for healing diabetic ulcers
- Coordination with Your Care Team — We communicate with your primary care doctor and endocrinologist
- Medicare & Insurance Accepted — Diabetic foot care, shoes, and orthotics often covered
- Same-Day Appointments — Urgent diabetic foot concerns seen promptly
Insurance Coverage for Diabetic Foot Care
Medicare Part B covers annual diabetic foot exams, therapeutic shoes (one pair of depth shoes and three pairs of inserts per year), and medically necessary treatment for diabetic foot complications. Most private insurance plans provide similar coverage. We'll verify your benefits and explain any costs before treatment.