Diabetic Foot Care in New Canaan, CT
Why Do Diabetics Need Specialized Foot Care?
Diabetes affects circulation and nerve function in ways that make the feet especially vulnerable, small issues like a blister or cut can go unnoticed and progress to serious infection far faster than in a non-diabetic patient. Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, provides comprehensive diabetic foot care at New Canaan Podiatry, including routine exams, circulation and nerve testing, and proactive wound prevention, built around keeping small problems from becoming big ones.
Call (203) 548-7688 or book online to schedule your diabetic foot exam.
The Two Reasons Diabetic Feet Are at Risk
Diabetes puts feet at risk through two connected mechanisms, and understanding both is part of why this kind of care looks different from routine foot checkups.
- Peripheral neuropathy
Is nerve damage caused by chronically elevated blood sugar, and it often shows up first as tingling, burning, or numbness in the feet. The dangerous part isn’t the sensation itself, it’s the loss of it. When you can’t feel a blister, cut, or pressure sore forming, it can go unnoticed and worsen significantly before you’re even aware there’s a problem.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Is reduced blood flow to the legs and feet from narrowed arteries, common in diabetic patients. Poor circulation means wounds heal slower and the body has a harder time fighting off infection once one starts, which is why a minor issue in a diabetic foot can escalate much faster than the same issue would elsewhere.
Together, these two conditions are why routine, proactive monitoring matters so much more for diabetic feet than most people realize.
What We Watch For
01
Diabetic foot ulcers
Open sores, most often on the sole or pressure points, that can develop from unnoticed injury and are slow to heal without treatment.
02
Reduced sensation
Numbness or tingling that masks injuries you’d otherwise feel and address immediately.
03
Poor circulation
Cold feet, slow-healing cuts, or skin discoloration that can point to reduced blood flow.
04
Skin and nail changes
Dry, cracking skin or thickened nails that create entry points for infection.
05
Charcot foot
A serious condition where weakened bones fracture and the foot’s structure gradually collapses, often without the pain you’d expect because of underlying nerve damage.
06
Infections
Because immune response and circulation are both affected, infections in a diabetic foot can spread quickly and require urgent attention.
Daily Habits That Actually Matter
A lot of diabetic foot complications are preventable with a few consistent habits:
- Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling, using a mirror if you can't easily see the bottom of your foot
- Wash and thoroughly dry your feet every day, especially between the toes
- Moisturize dry skin, but avoid the area between your toes, where excess moisture can encourage infection
- Never go barefoot, even at home, where a small injury can happen without you noticing
- Trim nails straight across and avoid cutting too short
- Wear properly fitted, supportive shoes, and check the inside of your shoes for anything that might rub or irritate
- Manage your blood sugar consistently, since tighter control directly reduces your risk of nerve and circulation damage over time
What a Diabetic Foot Exam Involves
Dr. Tauber’s approach is built around catching problems before they become serious. A typical visit includes:
A visual skin and nail exam checking for cuts, calluses, cracks, or early signs of infection
Sensation testing to check for neuropathy and how much protective sensation remains
Smart ABI testing to evaluate circulation to the legs and feet
Nail and callus care, trimmed and managed safely to avoid creating an entry point for infection
Diabetic footwear and orthotic recommendations to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas
Wound care and infection management for any active issues found during the exam
Most diabetic patients benefit from a foot exam at least once a year, more often if neuropathy, circulation issues, or a prior wound are already part of the picture. Dr. Tauber will recommend a schedule based on your individual risk level.
Your Questions, Answered
New Canaan Podiatry provides comprehensive diabetic foot care for patients in New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Wilton, and the surrounding Fairfield County communities.
Call (203) 548-7688 or request an appointment online.
Why is a small cut more dangerous for a diabetic than for anyone else?
Two reasons working together, reduced sensation means you may not notice the cut right away, and reduced circulation means your body heals slower and fights infection less effectively once it starts. That combination is why something minor can escalate quickly if it goes unaddressed.
How often should I actually get my feet checked?
Most diabetic patients should have a professional foot exam at least once a year. If you already have neuropathy, circulation problems, or a history of foot wounds, more frequent visits are usually the right call. Dr. Tauber will set a schedule based on your specific risk factors.
What is Charcot foot, and how serious is it?
It’s a condition where weakened bones in the foot fracture and the foot’s structure gradually collapses, often without much pain because of underlying nerve damage. It’s serious and needs prompt evaluation, since delayed treatment can lead to significant, sometimes permanent, deformity.
Do I need special shoes if I'm diabetic?
Often, yes, particularly if you have neuropathy or a foot deformity that creates pressure points. Diabetic shoes and custom orthotics are designed to reduce friction and pressure on vulnerable areas, which lowers your risk of developing an ulcer in the first place.
Can nail fungus or ingrown toenails be more serious for diabetics?
Yes. Both create an entry point for infection, and infections progress faster and more seriously in diabetic feet. Never self-treat either condition if you’re diabetic, professional care is the safer route every time.
What should I do if I notice a sore or wound on my foot?
Don’t wait to see if it heals on its own. Call our office right away, even a small-looking wound can be more serious than it appears in a diabetic foot, and early treatment is what prevents it from progressing to something more serious.
Is diabetic foot care covered by insurance?
Routine diabetic foot exams and medically necessary treatment are typically covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare, since preventive foot care is recognized as an important part of diabetes management. Call us at (203) 548-7688 or check our insurance page for specifics on your plan.
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Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to stay active and healthy, our team is here to help.