Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Diabetic Neuropathy/Numbness

Diabetic Neuropathy/Numbness


Diabetes neuropathy is the term used for nerve damage that is an unwelcome and often painful complication of diabetes. High amounts of blood glucose can cause nerve damage throughout your body, particularly in your feet. Numbness and tingling are tell-tale signs of diabetic neuropathy. It is important to always pay close attention to your body so we can help you as soon as you notice something amiss. We will help you treat diabetic neuropathy so you can avoid more serious nerve damage.


Dr. Jeffrey Klein recommends paying attention to the signs of diabetic neuropathy, which include the following:



  • Numbness in the feet, legs or toes

  • Tingling in the feet, legs or toes

  • Dizziness or faintness

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Weakness

  • Vaginal dryness or erectile dysfunction

  • Urination problems

  • Diarrhea and/or constipation


The signs and symptoms of diabetes neuropathy can vary from mild to severe, so getting regular examinations from Dr. Jeffrey Klein is recommended. He can examine your feet and ask you a series of questions that help him determine if you are experiencing nerve damage. Always call our S.E.T. FootCare office if you have any problems with your feet, including numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs and feet.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetic Foot Care


If you have diabetes, you have already been told by your doctor to take good care of your feet. Diabetic foot care is important because diabetes causes high glucose levels which can have a negative effect on your feet in primarily two ways.


First, uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet and legs. When your nerves are damaged, you may not be able to feel heat or cold, or worse pain. That means, if you cut your foot or have a sore on your foot, you may not immediately know it’s there. This lack of feeling is called diabetic neuropathy, and is a complication of diabetes.


Secondly, continued high blood glucose for an extended period of time can result in poor blood flow. When blood flow is poor, sores, wounds, and infections heal more slowly, if at all. If an infection doesn’t heal, it could lead to an amputation. Here at S.E.T. FootCare, Dr. Jeffrey Klein provides exemplary diabetic foot care and treatment options.


We will examine your feet and treat any conditions or problems you are experiencing. Your feet may need treatment if you have nerve damage or improper blood flow, both of which can cause infections. Aside from getting foot care treatment here in Waterford, MI, you should be self-monitoring your diabetes and keeping blood sugar levels under control, being more active, washing your feet daily, trimming your toenails, and always wearing socks and shoes. Call us today to schedule a diabetic foot care appointment so we can examine your feet for any signs of problems.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Diabetic Wound Care

Diabetic Wound Care


If you have diabetes, your feet are constantly at risk due to the way your body stores and uses glucose. Unfortunately, this increases the amounts of sores and wounds you may get on your feet.  It also decreases your ability to heal from these wounds. Diabetic wound care is essential because the disease can cause nerve damage, narrow arteries, infection, and a weakening of your immune system. It is also essential to help reduce your risk of a limb amputation.


Dr. Jeffrey Klein provides treatment for wound care in the following ways:



  • Examines your feet to assess the problem.

  • Provides antibiotics for any infections in the wounds.

  • Cleans and dresses open wounds and sores.

  • Provides surgical debridement of wounds, which removes infected tissue.


Here at S.E.T. FootCare, saving your foot is our top priority. We will do everything we can to save your limb, including cleaning the wound and taking care of the infection. Proper care helps you prevent the infection from spreading.  With a lower immune system and poor blood flow as a result of diabetes, it is vital you see us as soon as possible for proper diabetic wound care.


 


 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Vein and Vein Ulcers of the Ankle

Vein and Vein Ulcers of the Ankle


If you have a skin ulcer that is located just above your ankle, it may be a vein ulcer. These types of ulcers cause a swelling and thickening of the skin in this region. Diabetes is a common culprit of these ulcers because they occur from a narrowing of arteries in the leg and poor blood circulation, both of which are common in people with diabetes. Dr. Jeffrey Klein treats vein and vein ulcers of the ankle, whether they are caused by diabetes or other medical conditions.


Here at S.E.T. FootCare, we examine the area above your ankle and inform you whether or not it is a vein ulcer and how best to treat it. In our Waterford, MI office, we provide recommendations for at-home care methods, such as using compression stockings, walking daily, and elevating your legs, as well as medical treatments. Antibiotics may be recommended, as well as a prescribed painkiller for the pain. We urge you to stop smoking and take good care of your skin, as well as follow a healthy diet. Some treatments include a medication to improve your blood circulation, surgery to remove varicose veins and a skin graft for larger ulcers. Call us today (248) 681-6180 to schedule an appointment for your vein and vein ulcers of the ankle.