Diabetic Foot Care in Bellevue
Diabetes can slowly affect the nerves and blood flow in your feet, which is why routine foot care is one of the most important things you can do to avoid serious problems. At CarePlus Foot and Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, Dr. Hubert Lee provides thorough diabetic foot exams and care to help you protect your feet and stay active. We accept Medicare and offer same-day and urgent appointments.
When diabetes affects the nerves in your feet, a condition called neuropathy, you may not feel a blister, cut, or sore the way you normally would. At the same time, reduced circulation can make those small injuries slower to heal. Together, this means a minor problem can quietly turn into a wound or infection. Regular podiatric exams and care catch these issues early and helps lower the risk of serious complications, so you can stay active and independent.
A diabetic foot exam is a simple, comfortable visit where Dr. Lee checks the overall health of your feet and identifies small problems before they grow.
Check your feet every day, and contact us promptly if you notice any of these:
- A cut, blister, or sore that is not healing
- Redness, warmth, or swelling
- Numbness, tingling, or burning
- Changes in skin color, or an area that feels cold
- An ingrown or infected toenail
If you have a wound or signs of infection, please do not wait. Call us at (425) 455-0936 or request a same-day visit.
The right footwear takes pressure off vulnerable areas of the foot and helps prevent sores. For qualifying patients with medical necessity, Medicare may cover therapeutic shoes and inserts through its diabetic shoe program. Dr. Lee can also prescribe custom orthotics tailored to your feet. Ask our office whether you qualify and what your plan covers.
Frequently Asked Questions for Diabetic Foot Care
How often should a person with diabetes see a podiatrist?
Most people with diabetes benefit from a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year, and more often if you have neuropathy, poor circulation, or a history of foot wounds. Dr. Lee will recommend a schedule based on your individual risk.
Does Medicare cover diabetic foot care?
Medicare often covers a diabetic foot exam and may help cover therapeutic shoes and inserts for qualifying patients, though coverage depends on medical necessity and your specific plan. We accept Medicare, and our office can help you understand what applies to you. Call us at (425) 455-0936 if you have questions.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes, most often in the feet. It can lead to numbness, tingling, or burning, and it may keep you from feeling a cut or blister, which is why regular foot checks are so important.
Why are foot ulcers so serious for people with diabetes?
Because diabetes can reduce both sensation and circulation, a small wound may go unnoticed and heal slowly, which raises the risk of infection. Catching and treating problems early is the best way to prevent a minor issue from becoming a serious one, including the risk of amputation.
Can I trim my own toenails if I have diabetes?
If you have good sensation, eyesight, and circulation, careful trimming is usually fine. If you have neuropathy, poor circulation, or trouble reaching or seeing your feet, it is safer to have a professional do it, and you should not cut calluses or corns yourself.
What can I do at home to protect my feet?
Check your feet daily, avoid going barefoot, wear well-fitting shoes and clean socks, moisturize dry skin but not between the toes, keep your blood sugar managed, and see your podiatrist regularly.
Can I get a same-day visit for a diabetic foot problem?
Yes. We offer same-day and urgent appointments, and if you have a wound or signs of infection you should be seen promptly. Call us at (425) 455-0936 or request a same-day visit.