Before we can tackle a problem, we have to acknowledge that it’s a problem in the first place, and then find the motivation to change. We think of the alcoholic who hits “rock bottom” before seeking help. Or the person who avoids the doctor’s advice to quit smoking – until they have a child and realize they want to be around to watch their kid grow up.

Some of our diabetic patients at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists have a hard time acknowledging that it takes a lot of strength and determination to manage their disease. There is no cure. You have this problem, and taking care of yourself and your disease can seem like a full-time job.

If you have diabetes, our two expert podiatrists, Dr. Chandra L. Day-Houts and Dr. Heidi M. Christie, want to help you in your battle against the disease. We care about your overall good health and, of course, we have a special interest in keeping your feet healthy. Diabetics need to

• Perform daily foot checks – self-examination is the best way to catch problems early.
• Wear shoes that fit well and don’t rub or squeeze the foot.
• Visit a podiatrist on a regular basis. Our doctors are specially trained to care for the diabetic foot, looking out for any problems before they become serious or even threatening to your limb – or your life.
• Make special trips to our office in Montgomery whenever you develop any sort of skin issue at all – corns, calluses, rashes, sores, and cuts – or if you notice you’ve lost feeling in your foot. These kinds of foot concerns all require that you make an appointment to see us right away. We understand it can be frustrating and tiring to be watchful every single day about eating well, exercising as much as possible, checking your blood sugar, and examining your feet for signs of trouble. It’s not what you would have signed up for if you had the choice. But daily vigilance is your best weapon against blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, amputation, and all the other medical issues that diabetics can eventually face.

As always, call us with your foot concerns at (334) 396-3668. And remember to put “make regular checkup appointment at Montgomery Foot Specialists” on your to-do list. It really is part of your job. Consider us your partners in helping you get that job done.