National Diabetes Awareness Month – Free Foot Screenings at CFFAI

National Diabetes Awareness Month – Free Foot Screenings at CFFAI November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute is committed to supporting the millions of Americans living with diabetes by offering free foot screenings. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your feet deserve professional attention. Diabetes related foot complications are entirely preventable with proper care, early detection, and professional management. This November, take advantage of this opportunity to protect your feet. Why Diabetes Demands Foot Attention Diabetes affects feet in ways that other conditions don't. High blood glucose levels over time damage nerves (diabetic neuropathy) and blood vessels (vascular disease), creating vulnerabilities that require specialized attention. Diabetic Neuropathy: Loss of Sensation Nerve damage from high blood glucose reduces sensation in feet. You might not feel a blister forming, a cut developing, or an infection starting. Injuries that would cause pain in non diabetic feet go unnoticed in diabetic feet until they become serious complications. Poor Circulation and Wound Healing Diabetes compromises blood circulation to feet and impairs your body's ability to heal wounds. A minor cut can become infected and fail to heal for weeks, months, or longer. Without intervention, simple wounds can progress to serious infections or gangrene. Increased Infection Risk Diabetes weakens immune function, making infections more likely and harder to treat. Foot infections in diabetic patients can progress rapidly to serious systemic infections. Structural Changes and Deformities Diabetes increases risk of joint damage (Charcot arthropathy) and foot deformities that create pressure points and increase injury risk. Why Regular Professional Foot Care Matters A professional foot screening by a podiatrist identifies problems before they become serious: Early detection of neuropathy and circulation problems Identification of high risk pressure areas Assessment of foot structure and deformities Detection of early infections or concerning changes Customized prevention and care plans Education about proper foot care specific to your situation Regular professional foot care significantly reduces the risk of serious diabetic foot complications. What to Expect During a Free Foot Screening Comprehensive Assessment During your free screening at CFFAI, you'll receive a thorough foot evaluation including: Visual Inspection : Our podiatrist examines your feet for skin changes, color changes, swelling, deformities, nail problems, or other concerning findings. Sensation Testing : We test foot sensation using a monofilament test (a special thin filament) to assess for neuropathy. This identifies areas where you've lost protective sensation. Circulation Assessment : We check pulses in your feet and assess color, temperature, and other signs of adequate circulation. Structural Evaluation : We assess your foot arches, alignment, and any deformities that might create pressure points or increase injury risk. Nail and Skin Examination : We look for fungal infections, ingrown toenails, calluses, or other conditions requiring attention. Discussion and Recommendations : We discuss findings, answer your questions, and provide personalized recommendations for foot care and prevention. Screenings Available During National Diabetes Awareness Month When and Where Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute is offering free diabetic foot screenings throughout November at our five locations: Downtown Orlando Altamonte Springs Longwood Lake Mary Sanford Screenings are available by appointment to ensure adequate time for thorough evaluation. We'll work with your schedule to find a convenient time. Who Should Get a Screening Free screenings are available to anyone with: Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Prediabetes Family history of diabetes Concerns about foot health related to diabetes Anyone interested in preventive diabetic foot care What Happens After Your Screening If You Have No Concerning Findings If your screening shows healthy feet with no concerning signs, we'll provide recommendations for ongoing preventive care: Daily foot inspection routine Proper foot care practices Appropriate footwear recommendations Schedule for routine follow up care (typically annual or as recommended) If Concerning Findings Are Identified If your screening identifies problems, we'll discuss treatment options: Custom Orthotics : Specialized shoe inserts supporting your feet and reducing pressure on high risk areas. Specialized Footwear : Diabetic specific shoes designed to protect feet and reduce injury risk. Nail and Skin Care : Professional treatment of fungal infections, ingrown toenails, or other conditions. Wound Care : If wounds are present, we'll establish a care plan and coordinate with your primary care doctor. Preventive Education : Customized education about preventing complications specific to your situation. Follow Up Appoi