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When it comes to proper Chicago diabetic foot care, being informed is essential. Individuals with Diabetes often suffer from poor foot blood circulation, and this can lead to atherosclerosis if left untreated. Trauma to the foot and infections can also cause serious complications of common foot conditions such as athletes foot and ingrown toenails.

Smoking any form of tobacco can also disrupt the already slow healing process in the bodies of diabetic patients, and as such is a major risk factor for both infections and amputations.

Symptoms of a potential foot problem may vary, and can include persistent pan, redness, swelling, pain in legs or buttocks that increases with walking, localized warmth, drainage of pus, limping or difficulty walking, fever or chills in association with a wound, red streaking away from the infection site, new or lasting numbness in the feel or legs, and other related symptoms and conditions.

Another important component of proper Chicago diabetic foot care is knowing when to make an appointment with your doctor, if you already have a diabetic foot or leg problem.

You should make an appointment with your doctor when you experience any significant trauma to your feet or legs, when you experience any persistent mild to moderate pain in your feet or legs, develop any new blister, wound, or ulcer less than 1 inch across, discover any new areas or warmth redness or swelling, pain redness or swelling around a toenail, and any new or constant numbness to your feet or legs.

If you experience difficulty when walking, you should be evaluated for symptoms of diabetic arthritis, since early intervention is key to preventing serious complications. When you visit your doctor, he or she will ask you questions about your symptoms, and perform an examination that will include your vital signs, i.e. pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, an examination to determine the degree of circulation and sensation in your feet and legs, an examination of the problem area, and certain laboratory tests.

You may be asked to undergo a complete blood cell count, or CBC, to determine the presence and severity of infection, and may have your blood sugars, kidney functions, and electrolytes tested as well. Your doctor may also order X rays of your feet in order to pinpoint bone damage, foreign bodies or gas n the soft tissues, which is an indication of gangrene. Other tests may also be ordered as needed.

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