Diabetic Foot Care in Downtown Orlando, FL – Wound Prevention & Screening
Diabetic foot care in Downtown Orlando, FL. Annual screening, prevention programs, ulcer treatment & wound care by foot specialist.
By Dr. Robert Hoover, DPM, FACFAS
Diabetic Foot Care in Downtown Orlando, FL – Wound Prevention & Screening
Living with diabetes in Downtown Orlando—or anywhere—means taking special care of your feet. People with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of foot ulcers, infections, and amputations. The good news? Regular screenings and proactive care prevent 85% of diabetes-related amputations. That's a powerful statistic—and it means early intervention truly works.
At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, our Downtown Orlando location offers comprehensive diabetic foot care designed to keep your feet healthy, catch problems early, and help you maintain full independence and quality of life.
The Diabetes & Foot Connection
Diabetes affects your feet in two interconnected ways:
Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
High blood sugar damages the nerves in your feet and legs. Early symptoms include tingling, numbness, or a "pins and needles" sensation. Over time, you can lose the ability to feel pain, temperature, or pressure.
This protective sensation loss is dangerous. You might step on something sharp, develop a blister, or cut your foot—and not feel a thing. By the time you notice, infection has often taken hold.
Angiopathy (Poor Circulation)
Diabetes narrows and hardens blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your feet. Poor circulation means:
- Cuts and ulcers heal much more slowly
- Your immune system has harder time fighting infection
- Even minor injuries can become serious
- Infection can spread rapidly
When neuropathy and poor circulation combine, minor foot problems escalate into major complications. That's why diabetes demands proactive foot care. The MedlinePlus diabetic-foot overview spells out the end of that path: an infection plus poor flow can lead to gangrene, and sometimes damaged tissue has to be removed to stop the spread.
Diabetic Foot Problems We Prevent & Treat
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A diabetic ulcer is an open wound that won't heal normally. Ulcers typically form on the bottom of the foot—especially the ball of the foot or heel—due to repeated pressure and lack of sensation. They can become deep, infected, and limb-threatening if not treated aggressively.
Charcot Foot
Diabetic neuropathy can weaken the bones and joints in your foot, causing them to break down and collapse. This condition creates severe deformity and disability. Early detection and intervention prevent permanent damage.
Infections
Bacterial and fungal infections spread rapidly in diabetic feet due to poor circulation and impaired immune response. We treat them aggressively before they become systemic.
Calluses & Corns
Pressure points develop thick, hard skin. These calluses can crack or break down into ulcers. We remove them carefully and address the underlying pressure problem.
Bunions, Hammertoes & Structural Issues
Diabetes can worsen foot deformities. These create abnormal pressure points and increase ulcer risk. Early correction prevents complications.
Our Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Care Program
Annual Screening Exam
If you have diabetes, you should have a detailed foot exam at least once per year—more often if you've had neuropathy, ulcers, or other complications.
During your Downtown Orlando screening, we:
Assess circulation—Check pulses, perform vascular testing if needed
Test for neuropathy—Monofilament testing, vibration sense testing, reflexes
Examine skin & nails—Look for infections, breakdown, ulcers, calluses
Evaluate biomechanics—Assess pressure points and structural issues
Inspect footwear—Check for pressure areas, worn support, or hazards
Educate on prevention—Teach daily foot care habits that prevent problems
Preventive Education
We teach Orlando diabetic patients critical daily habits:
Visual Inspection—Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or drainage. Use a mirror to see the bottoms of your feet.
Proper Hygiene—Wash feet daily in warm water (never hot), dry thoroughly between toes, moisturize if dry (not between toes).
Nail Care—Trim nails straight across, not too short. If you can't see or reach your feet, have a professional do it.
Footwear Choices—Wear supportive shoes with no rough edges, no tight spots. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or going barefoot.
Sock Selection—Wear clean, dry socks that fit well with no bunching or rough seams.
Temperature Awareness—Never use heating pads or hot water bottles on your feet. Test water temperature with your hands before bathing.
Weight & Blood Sugar—Maintaining healthy weight and keeping blood sugar controlled are foundational to foot health.
Custom Orthotics & Footwear
If you have or are at risk for ulcers, custom orthotics are essential. We design insoles that:
- Redistribute pressure away from high-risk areas
- Support your arch and prevent deformity
- Reduce friction and shear forces
- Accommodate existing ulcers or scars
For significant ulcer risk, we work with therapeutic shoe specialists who can make custom shoes specifically for diabetic feet—shoes that are part of your treatment plan.
Aggressive Wound Care
If you develop a diabetic ulcer, we treat it with intensity:
Debridement—Removing dead or infected tissue to allow healing
Offloading—Using special devices, shoes, casts, or braces to remove pressure from the ulcer
Infection Control—Culturing wounds, using targeted antibiotics, and aggressive cleaning
Advanced Dressings—Applying evidence-based dressings, growth factors, and biologics to stimulate healing
Frequent Monitoring—Seeing you regularly to assess progress and adjust treatment
Vascular Assessment—If circulation is limited, we work with vascular specialists to optimize blood flow
Why Downtown Orlando is Perfect for Your Diabetic Foot Care
Our Downtown Orlando location is centrally accessible and staffed by foot and ankle specialists with deep expertise in diabetic care. We understand the complications that can arise, we treat them aggressively, and we focus on prevention—keeping you walking, mobile, and independent.
The Bottom Line: Prevention Works
The progression from minor foot problem to amputation is preventable. The key is:
- Annual screening exams—Catch problems early
- Daily foot care—Maintain healthy feet through daily habits
- Proper footwear and orthotics—Support your feet biomechanically
- Blood sugar control—Work with your primary care doctor on this
- Immediate attention to problems—Don't ignore even small issues
Follow these steps, and you dramatically reduce your amputation risk—and maintain your independence.
Ready for Professional Diabetic Foot Care in Downtown Orlando?
If you have diabetes and haven't had a comprehensive foot exam in the past year, it's time. If you've developed a foot ulcer, wound, or unusual symptoms, don't wait—call us today.
Call (407) 307-0006 to schedule your diabetic foot screening at our Downtown Orlando location, or book online at https://floridafai.intakeq.com/booking. We accept Medicare and most insurance plans.
Your feet deserve expert care. Let's keep you healthy, walking, and independent.
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