Diabetic Foot Care
🇺🇸 Disponible en español: Cuidado del Pie Diabético
Diabetic Foot Care in Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Diabetes affects more than 37 million Americans, and foot complications are among the most serious — and most preventable — risks that diabetic patients face. At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, Dr. Jonathan Mollineda, DPM provides comprehensive diabetic foot care to help patients in Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, Plantation, North Lauderdale, Lauderhill, and surrounding Broward County communities protect their feet and maintain their mobility for years to come.
Why Are Diabetic Feet Vulnerable?
Diabetes can damage your feet in several ways that often develop gradually and without obvious symptoms:
Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) — High blood sugar over time damages the nerves in your feet, reducing your ability to feel pain, heat, cold, or pressure. This means you may not notice a cut, blister, or sore until it has already become a serious problem.
Poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease) — Diabetes can reduce blood flow to the feet and lower legs, slowing the body's natural healing process. Even minor injuries may take significantly longer to heal, and infections become harder for the body to fight.
Immune system compromise — Elevated blood sugar weakens the body's immune response, making diabetic patients more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections in the feet and toenails.
Skin and tissue changes — Diabetes can cause the skin on the feet to become dry, cracked, and more vulnerable to breakdown, creating entry points for infection.
What to Expect at a Diabetic Foot Exam
The American Diabetes Association recommends that every person with diabetes receive a comprehensive foot exam at least once per year — and more frequently if you have a history of foot problems, neuropathy, or poor circulation. During your diabetic foot exam at Sunshine Foot & Ankle, Dr. Mollineda will:
• Evaluate sensation and nerve function — Using monofilament testing, tuning fork vibration testing, and reflex checks to assess the degree of neuropathy in your feet
• Assess blood flow and circulation — Checking pulses in your feet, examining skin color and temperature, and using Doppler ultrasound when needed to evaluate arterial blood flow
• Inspect skin and nails — Looking for cuts, blisters, calluses, corns, fungal infections, ingrown toenails, dry or cracked skin, and any other abnormalities
• Check foot structure and biomechanics — Evaluating foot shape, joint mobility, and areas of abnormal pressure that could lead to ulcers. This includes examining your shoes and identifying whether custom orthotics or diabetic shoes may be beneficial
• Review your foot care routine — Discussing your daily habits and offering personalized guidance to keep your feet healthy between visits
Warning Signs Every Diabetic Patient Should Watch For
Because neuropathy can reduce sensation in your feet, you may not feel problems as they develop. Check your feet every day and contact our office immediately if you notice:
• Any cut, sore, blister, or wound that does not begin healing within a few days
• Redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness in any area of the foot
• Changes in skin color — especially darkening, blue or purple discoloration, or pale spots
• Drainage, pus, or an unusual odor from any part of the foot
• Ingrown toenails, thickened nails, or fungal nail changes
• Calluses or corns that are cracking, bleeding, or becoming painful
• Numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation that is new or worsening
• Any change in the shape of your foot or ankle
Daily Foot Care Tips for Diabetic Patients
Protecting your feet starts with consistent daily habits:
• Inspect your feet every day — Check the tops, bottoms, sides, heels, and between all toes. Use a mirror or ask a family member for help if you cannot see the bottoms of your feet clearly.
• Wash and dry carefully — Wash feet daily with warm (not hot) water and mild soap. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
• Moisturize wisely — Apply a gentle, unscented moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent cracking. Avoid moisturizer between the toes, where excess moisture can promote infection.
• Wear proper footwear — Always wear shoes and socks, even indoors. Choose shoes that fit well, have a supportive sole, and provide adequate room for your toes. Never walk barefoot.
• Trim nails carefully — Cut toenails straight across and file sharp edges gently. If you have neuropathy, poor vision, or thickened nails, let our office handle your nail care to avoid accidental injury.
• Manage blood sugar — Keeping your blood glucose in a healthy range is the single most important thing you can do to prevent diabetic foot complications.
Medicare Coverage for Diabetic Foot Care
Medicare Part B covers diabetic foot exams and therapeutic shoes and inserts for qualifying patients with diabetes. If you have diabetes with at least one qualifying condition — such as neuropathy, poor circulation, foot deformity, a history of foot ulcers, or a prior amputation — you may be eligible for one pair of custom-molded diabetic shoes and three pairs of inserts per calendar year at little or no out-of-pocket cost.
Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Oscar Health and United Healthcare (Medicaid only).
Call (754) 296-5900 to verify your coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Foot Care
Q: How often should diabetic patients have foot exams?
A: The American Diabetes Association recommends a comprehensive foot exam at least once per year for all diabetic patients. If you have neuropathy, poor circulation, a history of foot ulcers, or other risk factors, Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC may recommend exams every 3 to 6 months. Regular diabetic foot exams are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious complications including ulcers and amputations. Call (754) 296-5900 to schedule your diabetic foot exam in Lauderdale Lakes.
Q: Does Medicare cover diabetic foot care?
A: Yes. Medicare Part B covers diabetic foot exams and therapeutic shoes and inserts for qualifying patients with diabetes. If you have diabetes with at least one qualifying condition such as neuropathy, poor circulation, or a history of foot ulcers, you may be eligible for one pair of custom-molded diabetic shoes and three pairs of inserts per calendar year at little or no out-of-pocket cost. Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. Call (754) 296-5900 to verify your coverage.
Q: What are the early signs of diabetic neuropathy in the feet?
A: Early signs of diabetic neuropathy include numbness or tingling in the toes or feet, a burning or prickling sensation, increased sensitivity to touch, and muscle weakness in the foot. You may also notice that you can no longer feel temperature changes or pain from cuts and blisters. These symptoms often start gradually and worsen over time. Dr. Mollineda uses monofilament testing, tuning fork vibration testing, and reflex checks to evaluate nerve function during your diabetic foot exam at our Lauderdale Lakes office.
Q: Can diabetic foot ulcers be prevented?
A: Yes, many diabetic foot ulcers can be prevented with proper care and regular monitoring. Dr. Mollineda recommends inspecting your feet daily for cuts, blisters, and skin changes, wearing properly fitted diabetic shoes, keeping your feet clean and moisturized, managing your blood sugar levels, and scheduling regular diabetic foot exams. Custom orthotics and therapeutic footwear prescribed by Dr. Mollineda can also reduce pressure points that lead to ulcer formation. Sunshine Foot and Ankle LLC serves patients throughout Lauderdale Lakes, Tamarac, Plantation, Lauderhill, North Lauderdale, Margate, and Broward County. Se habla Espanol. Call (754) 296-5900 to schedule your preventive diabetic foot care appointment.
Protect Your Feet — Schedule Your Diabetic Foot Exam Today
Early detection saves limbs and lives. Whether you were recently diagnosed with diabetes or have been managing it for years, regular foot exams are essential to catching problems before they become serious.