Skip to main content
Accessibility help
Home

Proudly Part of Jefferson Health

Main Menu

  • Find
    • Doctors
    • Locations
    • Services
  • Do
    • Log in to MyLVHN
    • Pay a Bill
  • Explore
    • Jefferson Health
    • Give
Questions? 888-402-LVHN (5846) Contact Us

Careers

  • All Careers
  • Nursing Careers
  • Physician and APC Careers
  • Residencies and Fellowships

Make an Appointment

  • Current doctor
  • New doctor
  • First available
  • Video visit

COVID-19

Patient Information

  • Patient & Visitor Information
  • Medical Records
  • Accepted Insurances
  • Financial Services
  • Institutes
  • Health Tips, Patient Stories & News
  • Events, Classes & Groups
  • Clinical Trials
  • About LVHN

For Clinicians

  • Refer a Patient
  • Careers
  • Research & Clinical Trials
  • Education
  • Institutes
  • About LVHN

Find

Doctors Locations Services Careers

Search LVHN Site

Suggested Links

  • Careers
  • Children's Hospital
  • Pay a Bill
  • Medical Records

What type of appointment are you looking for?

Appointment with

I am an existing patient I am a new patient

Diabetes Foot and Ankle Problems

Diabetics are at risk for foot ulcers and other foot and ankle conditions if they experience nerve damage in the feet or poor blood flow to the feet. Cuts and blisters can become serious infections.

  • More Information
  • More

    • Home
    • Doctors
    • Services
  • Home
  • Doctors
  • Services

Page Hierarchy

  1. Conditions
  2. Diabetes Foot and Ankle Problems

Nerve damage in the feet (peripheral neuropathy) or poor blood flow to the feet increase the risk for various foot and ankle complications, including diabetic foot ulcers. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can become serious infections. Severe damage might require toe, foot or even leg amputation.

Your primary health care provider will examine your feet and legs at office visits for diabetes foot conditions and may recommend you see a podiatrist or neurologist to address your needs.

Symptoms

When you have diabetes, it is important to check your feet every day. Use a mirror to look at the bottom of your feet to get a good view. Call your doctor if you notice any of these changes on your feet:

  • Sores
  • Cuts
  • Bruises
  • Toenail changes
  • Ingrown toenail
  • Foot changes color, shape or becomes less sensitive
  • Tingling or loss of feeling in feet (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Foot becomes swollen, red or painful

Treatment 

For foot wounds that have become infected, treatment must be aggressive and rapid to be effective. Wound therapy might include some or all of the following:

  • Infected tissue is removed to prevent the spread of the infection. The process is known as surgical debridement.
  • Antibiotics or antifungal treatments fight the infection at its source.
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves spending time in a pressurized chamber that increases the amount of oxygen available for you to breathe and for your red blood cells to take in. This is thought to help in wound healing.
  • Tetanus immunization might be recommended to protect against additional infection.

Prevention

There are steps you can take to prevent foot problems from developing, including these suggestions:

  • Check your feet and toes daily for any cuts, sores, bruises, bumps or infections – use a mirror if necessary.
  • Examine your shoes before putting them on to make sure there are no sharp edges or objects in them that might injure your feet.
  • Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly. 
  • Do not soak your feet.
  • Wear shoes that fit well and allow your toes to move.
  • Cut your toenails straight across.
  • Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.
  • Do not walk barefoot.

Experiencing symptoms of diabetes?

Call your primary care provider to be evaluated as soon as possible.

Find a Doctor

Make an appointment

Learn more about our services or make an appointment by calling us at 888-402-LVHN (5846).

Request an appointment

Customer Service

888-402-LVHN (5846)
Contact Us
Mon - Fri:
7 am – 8 pm
Saturday:
9 am – 5 pm
Sunday:
9 am – 5 pm

Support

  • For Referring Physicians
  • For Health Professionals
  • For Employers
  • Website Feedback
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

About LVHN

  • About Us
  • Give
  • Careers
  • Volunteer
  • Health Tips, News & Stories
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Price Transparency

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

©2025 Lehigh Valley Health Network. Image content is used for illustrative purposes only.