Diabetic Foot Care in Farmington, NM

Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States, and its effects on the feet are among the most serious and often overlooked complications. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can damage nerves in the feet — a condition called peripheral neuropathy — reducing your ability to feel pain, heat, cold, or pressure. This means that cuts, blisters, calluses, and even foreign objects in your shoe can go unnoticed for days or weeks.

Diabetes also impairs circulation, slowing the body's natural healing process. A minor wound that would heal quickly in a healthy individual can become a chronic ulcer in a diabetic patient, potentially leading to infection, tissue death, and in severe cases, amputation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the United States — but the majority of these amputations are preventable with proper foot care.

Common Symptoms and Warning Signs

Diabetic patients should watch for numbness or tingling in the feet, a burning or prickling sensation, loss of balance or coordination, dry or cracked skin that does not improve with moisturizer, changes in skin color or temperature, slow-healing sores or cuts, thickened or discolored toenails, and any new swelling or deformity. Because neuropathy dulls sensation, many patients do not realize there is a problem until a wound has progressed significantly. Regular podiatric exams are essential for catching complications early.

How Dr. Dorner Provides Diabetic Foot Care

At Family Foot Health Specialists, Dr. Denise M. Dorner provides comprehensive diabetic foot evaluations designed to identify risks before they become emergencies. Each visit includes a thorough visual inspection of the skin, nails, and soft tissue; a neurological assessment using monofilament and tuning-fork testing to evaluate sensation; a vascular evaluation to check blood flow and pulse quality; and a musculoskeletal assessment to identify structural changes or pressure points that could lead to ulceration.

Based on her findings, Dr. Dorner creates a personalized care plan that may include preventive nail and callus care, wound management for existing sores, footwear and orthotic recommendations to reduce pressure, and education on daily foot inspection techniques and proper hygiene. She coordinates with your primary care physician and endocrinologist to ensure your foot care is integrated into your overall diabetes management strategy.

With over 35 years of clinical experience, Dr. Dorner understands the unique challenges diabetic patients face — especially in the Four Corners region, where access to specialized care can be limited. She is committed to helping each patient maintain healthy feet, stay active, and reduce the risk of serious complications.