Diabetic Foot Care in New Canaan, CT
For people living with diabetes, foot care is not optional — it is an essential part of staying healthy and avoiding serious complications. Diabetes can cause significant damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your feet, leading to slow-healing wounds, skin breakdown, and in severe cases, limb-threatening ulcers.
At New Canaan Podiatry, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tauber, DPM, is specially trained in diabetic foot care. She provides thorough preventive exams, early intervention, and advanced wound care to protect your feet and lower your risk of complications — including amputation. If you have diabetes, our New Canaan, CT podiatry practice is your partner in foot health.
Book OnlineWhy Diabetes Affects Your Feet
Diabetes impacts foot health in two primary ways. First, chronically elevated blood sugar damages the peripheral nerves — a condition called peripheral neuropathy — which reduces or eliminates sensation in the feet. This means small injuries, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed until they become serious.
Second, diabetes impairs circulation, making it harder for blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin and soft tissues of the feet. As a result, even minor wounds heal very slowly and are much more prone to infection.
Together, these two factors create an environment where small foot problems can quickly escalate into major health crises. That is why proactive podiatric care from a specialist like Dr. Tauber is so important.
Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Care Services
At New Canaan Podiatry, our diabetic foot care program includes:
- Annual comprehensive foot exams — Evaluating circulation, nerve function, skin integrity, and structural alignment
- More frequent monitoring — For patients with poorly controlled diabetes or a history of ulcers
- Wound evaluation and care — Advanced protocols for non-healing wounds and diabetic ulcers
- Toenail trimming — Preventing ingrown nails that can lead to serious infections in diabetic patients
- Wound debridement — Removing damaged tissue to promote healing
- Diabetic shoes and insoles — Specially designed footwear that protects vulnerable areas and reduces ulcer risk
- Custom orthotics — To redistribute pressure and prevent skin breakdown
- Smart ABI testing — Non-invasive vascular screening to identify circulation problems
- Oral and topical medications — For infections and skin conditions
- Coordination with your healthcare team — Dr. Tauber partners with your primary care physician and other providers to optimize your overall diabetes management
When to Come In Right Away
Beyond your scheduled preventive exams, there are warning signs that require an immediate appointment at New Canaan Podiatry:
- Any new wound, cut, blister, or sore on the foot
- Redness, warmth, or swelling — with or without pain
- Blood or drainage appearing in your socks
- Foot or toe pain, numbness, or burning sensations
- Changes in skin color or temperature
- Joint pain or stiffness in the feet
Don’t wait to seek care if you notice any of these signs. Call (203) 548-7688 immediately or schedule your appointment online. Also see: amputation prevention, limb salvage & preservation, Charcot foot.
Diabetic Foot Care FAQs
How often should I see a podiatrist if I have diabetes?
Most diabetic patients should have a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year. Patients with neuropathy, poor circulation, a history of ulcers, or poorly controlled blood sugar may need to be seen every 1–3 months. Dr. Tauber will recommend the appropriate frequency based on your risk profile.
What makes a diabetic foot exam different from a regular foot exam?
A diabetic foot exam is more comprehensive. Dr. Tauber checks nerve sensation using a monofilament test, assesses circulation and skin integrity, evaluates for early signs of ulcers or infection, and checks footwear appropriateness — all in addition to the standard structural examination.
Can diabetic foot complications be prevented?
Many diabetic foot complications are preventable with proactive care. Regular podiatric checkups, daily foot self-inspection, wearing appropriate footwear, keeping blood sugar controlled, and not smoking are all highly effective preventive measures.
What should I do every day to care for my diabetic feet?
Daily foot care for diabetics includes: washing and thoroughly drying feet every day, inspecting the feet for any changes or injuries, keeping skin moisturized (but not between the toes), wearing properly fitting shoes and socks at all times, and never going barefoot.
Does Medicare cover diabetic foot exams?
Yes. Medicare covers therapeutic foot care for patients with diabetes-related nerve damage. Coverage typically includes one foot exam per six months. Our office can help you verify your specific coverage.
What are diabetic shoes, and do I need them?
Diabetic shoes are specially designed with extra depth, wider toe boxes, and removable insoles to reduce friction and pressure on vulnerable areas of the foot. Medicare covers one pair of diabetic shoes and three pairs of insoles per year for qualifying patients with diabetes.
What happens if a diabetic foot wound is left untreated?
Untreated wounds in diabetic patients can progress rapidly from a minor sore to a deep infection involving bone (osteomyelitis). In severe cases, infected wounds that do not respond to treatment may require surgical removal of affected tissue — and in the worst cases, amputation. Early treatment dramatically reduces this risk.