Diabetic Foot Care in Downtown Orlando, FL – Wound Prevention & Screening

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. 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 devic