For millions living with diabetes, managing blood sugar is just one part of staying healthy. One of the most overlooked—but critical—areas of diabetic care is foot health. Diabetes can lead to serious complications in the feet, including infections, ulcers, poor circulation, and even amputations if not treated promptly. Fortunately, many of these complications can be prevented with proactive care, early intervention, and regular visits to a podiatrist.
At Capital Foot Care, we specialize in diabetic foot care, offering comprehensive services designed to protect your feet and your quality of life. With multiple locations in Maryland and Washington, DC, and a team of dedicated experts, we’re proud to help our patients walk confidently and pain-free.
Why Diabetes Puts Your Feet at Risk
Diabetes can damage the nerves (neuropathy) and restrict blood flow (peripheral artery disease or P.A.D.), especially in the lower extremities. This combination reduces your ability to feel pain or injury and delays wound healing. A simple blister, cut, or callus can turn into a serious infection without your awareness.
Over time, untreated foot issues can escalate into ulcers or lead to tissue death, sometimes requiring amputation. Prevention and early detection are your strongest allies.
Tips for Preventing Diabetic Foot Complications
- Inspect Your Feet Daily
Check for cuts, redness, swelling, blisters, and nail issues. If you notice any signs of infection or poor healing, contact your podiatrist immediately. Use a mirror or ask a loved one to help if you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet. - Keep Feet Clean and Dry
Wash your feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry them carefully—especially between the toes—to prevent fungal infections. Apply moisturizer to keep skin soft, but avoid putting lotion between your toes, as it may promote moisture buildup. - Trim Nails Properly
Cut toenails straight across and file the edges to avoid ingrown toenails. Never attempt to remove corns or calluses yourself—this can lead to open wounds or infections. - Wear Proper Footwear
Always wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good arch support. Avoid tight shoes, high heels, and walking barefoot, even indoors. At Capital Foot Care, we can recommend custom orthotics or diabetic shoes to protect your feet. - Control Blood Sugar and Stay Active
Keeping your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure within target range helps prevent nerve damage and circulation issues. Exercise promotes blood flow to your feet—but be sure to wear supportive shoes and monitor your feet after activity. - Schedule Regular Podiatrist Visits
Routine exams are essential to detect early signs of complications. At Capital Foot Care, we provide thorough diabetic foot assessments, nail care, wound care, and vascular screenings.
Why Choose Capital Foot Care?
When it comes to diabetic foot health, having a trusted, experienced team on your side makes all the difference. At Capital Foot Care, we offer a full suite of services including:
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Routine Foot Exams
- Advanced Wound Care
- Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) Treatment
- In-Office Surgical Procedures
- Sports Medicine for Active Diabetics
Meet Our Expert Providers
Our board-certified podiatrists bring years of experience and compassionate care to every patient:
- Dr. Muhammad A. Khalid, DPM – Specializing in foot and ankle surgery and advanced diabetic care
- Dr. Fritz-Andre Duterlein – Focused on wound care and foot infections
- Dr. Herman Zarate – Expert in preventative care and podiatric surgery
Convenient Locations Across Maryland & DC
Capital Foot Care proudly serves patients in the following locations:
- 6510 Kenilworth Avenue Suite 2300 Riverdale MD 20737
- 7610 Carroll Avenue Suite 380 Takoma Park MD 20912
- 8816 Jericho City Drive Largo MD 20785
- 2041 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE Suite 103 Washington DC 20020
- 1328 Southern Avenue SE Suite 209 Washington DC 20032
To schedule an appointment, call 301-927-FOOT (3668) or email [email protected].
