Diabetes Specialist

The Center for Foot Disorders

Shashank Srivastava, DPM, FACFAS

Podiatrist located in Rockville, MD

Diabetes is the leading cause of foot amputations in the U.S., and skilled diabetic foot care is essential for avoiding ulcers that can result in amputation. Dr. Shashank Srivastava is a top provider of diabetic foot care for patients in Rockville, MD, offering state-of-the-art care options at The Center for Foot Disorders.

301-330-0468

Diabetes Q & A

How does diabetes affect the feet?

The high blood sugar (glucose) levels that occur in diabetes can cause damage to the circulatory and nervous systems, resulting in an increased risk of serious infections that ultimately can lead to amputations. Nerve damage decreases sensations in the feet and toes, allowing some relatively minor issues like corns, calluses or blisters to go untreated and increasing the risk of sores or ulcers. Damage to the circulation system interferes with normal healing, which makes it easier for bacterial growth to occur. At the same time, elevated levels of blood sugar provide a ready food source for bacteria, allowing infections to spread and making treatment more difficult. Diabetic foot sores or ulcers are a primary cause of foot amputations in the U.S., and having routine foot care with a skilled podiatrist is extremely important in avoiding ulcers that can lead to amputation.

What kinds of foot-related symptoms are associated with diabetes?

In addition to an increased risk for slow-to-heal sores, diabetes also causes:

stinging or burning sensations in the toes or feet
numbness or lack of sensation that causes some areas to feel “dead” or disconnected
changes in the way the skin looks or feels
cracked heel skin, corns, and calluses
increased incidence of toenail fungus and similar infections
increased feelings of coldness in the feet and toes
swelling in the ankles and feet due to decreased circulation

How can a podiatrist help me avoid diabetes-related problems?

Having routine foot care is one of the most important things a person with diabetes can do to minimize their risk for widespread infection and amputation. Diabetic foot care includes routine evaluations of the feet and ankles to identify issues in their earliest stages so more serious problems can be avoided. When treatment is required, special care will be taken to avoid or minimize soft tissue trauma, using special ointments or oral antibiotics as needed to prevent infection. Special custom orthotics also can play an important role in treating or avoiding recurrent problems that can increase the risk of infections and other diabetes-related problems.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

At The Center for Foot Disorders, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.