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Diabetic Foot Health

Diabetes affects nearly 30 million Americans with another 84 million Americans living with pre-diabetes per the CDC.

Diabetes is the body’s inability to properly use insulin and reduces the body’s ability to convert sugars, starches, and other foods into energy. This inability to use insulin correctly may lead to changes in many body systems including skin, nerves, blood vessels, bones and hormones.

Many times diabetes affects the foot and ankle.

Changes in skin color, numbness, pain, increased swelling, and open sores or dry cracks can all develop to the foot and ankle. A podiatrist is a crucial part of the diabetes healthcare team.  Podiatrists are specially trained to assess and treat the damage diabetes can cause in your feet, identify risks to the lower extremities , and best prevent future medical events to the lower extremities. Dr. Castelein performs an annual exam on diabetic patients to assess risk for peripheral vascular disease (PVD), Peripheral neuropathy (numbness/tingling in feet and toes), and foot deformities while checking skin health condition. During this exam, Dr. Castelein will discuss any areas of concern he diagnoses and work with you to develop a specific treatment plan to best promote foot health while managing diabetes. If problems develop, Dr. Castelein is able to make a comprehensive plan to best heal the area of concern and avoid future complications.

Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Bryant Castelein, DPM – Podiatry Specialist

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition to the smaller nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

These smaller nerves are typically sensory nerves involved in protecting the body from the outside world. Common symptoms include an abnormal feeling in the foot and ankle of pins-and-needles, burning, tingling, pain or a numbness sensation. Uncontrolled diabetes is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Other main causes of peripheral neuropathy include autoimmune diseases, infection, cancer treatments, prolonged alcoholism, vascular diseases or peripheral neuropathy can occasionally have no source . People with diabetes typically develop neuropathy from nerve damage due to prolonged increases in blood glucose levels. The onset of neuropathy is usually slow but can progress more centrally within the body, leading to reduced organ function (such as gastroparesis). Symptoms typically worsen as peripheral neuropathy advances.

Peripheral neuropathy can become debilitating with severe consequences if left untreated. It is also largely irreversible. The best treatment is early diagnosis and reducing risk factors to slow or stop the progression of symptoms. Dr. Castelein first looks to treat the underlying cause of neuropathy. To help determine the cause of neuropathy, he may use advanced testing such as epidermal nerve fiber density testing (ENFD), electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test. These tests are very useful in confirming diagnosis as well as objectively quantifying the degree of neuropathy. After addressing the cause, Dr. Castelein aims to correct the symptoms of neuropathy. Typically, vitamins found to supplement nerve function, foot braces and accommodating shoes are discussed depending on patient preference and severity of the neuropathy. He can also recommend therapies to help lessen symptoms and promote muscle health and coordination.

Ulcer Care

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound or sore that can appear on the foot, toes, ankle, or leg. Ulcers can be serious and seeking treatment as soon as the wound is noticed is vital. Diabetic ulcers will not go away on their own and require medical attention.

Individuals with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, or foot deformities are at higher risk for developing an ulcer. When a patient  has loss of protective sensation from peripheral neuropathy,  the ulcer may not cause pain leading it to go unnoticed and increasing the risk of infection and amputation.

Not all wounds heal in the same way. Dr. Castelein looks to provide quick and effective treatments. These treatments are tailored to the wound based on the wound’s needs and the needs of the patient. He uses a combination of techniques  when treating ulcers including:

After the ulcer is healed, Dr. Castelein offers regular foot examinations to help prevent the development of additional diabetic ulcers. Discussion of individualized prevention methods such as footwear/padding, advanced shoes or braces, maintaining healthy blood glucose levels, and controlling other systemic health considerations will aid in further prevention of foot and ankle ulcers.

Charcot Foot

Charcot Foot is a rare foot deformity that affects diabetic patients with advanced neuropathy (numbness/tingling in the feet). This deformity affects the bones, joints and soft tissues of the foot and ankle which can lead to difficulty walking, bone loss and in some cases, amputation. Common symptoms include prolonged pain/discomfort, redness, swelling and warmth in the affected foot. In advanced stages of Charcot the bones in the foot shift. This causes changes to the structure of the foot and ankle. Many times the bone structure changes alter the function of the foot and can lead to ulcerations or instability.

Dr. Castelein uses x-rays and a physical examination to determine the presence of Charcot. Treatment targets halting current bone change and minimizing further deformity while allowing the bones to heal. Dr. Castelein may recommend immobilization to limit movement and weight-bearing activities during the initial healing period. He also uses bone stimulators to help return the bone to its normal state. Once the foot is no longer at risk for further deformity,  protective footwear including splints, braces, orthotics or special offloading devices depending on severity and progression.  These medical equipment devices are needed to best reduce the risk of future ulcerations, and arthritis while maintaining the best level of movement. 

Diabetic Shoes

Taking great care of diabetic feet  is a top priority at Brighton Foot and Ankle. Diabetic shoes decrease the risk of complications including ulcers, calluses, and skin concerns. These specific shoes have protective properties to ensure diabetic patients are comfortable and safe in footwear. They provide support and protection to reduce pressure points, accommodate changes in toe and foot structure, and have specific inserts. Dr. Castelein assesses the need for ordering diabetic shoes, measures your foot carefully and lets you choose from over 100 styles of shoe.

Diabetic shoes are:

The best and easiest way to protect your feet as a diabetic patient is to wear shoes at all times! Dr. Castelein recommends checking your feet daily and always keeping up on your annual exams.

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Client Testimonials

Julie
I'm so happy to have found Brighton Foot And Ankle in Brighton. The office staff and assistant are very pleasant. Dr. Bryant Castelein is a great knowledgeable Dr. Who has eased my worry over my medical condition. Plus he's handsome. I would highly recommend this practice for anyone needing podiatry help.
Amy
What great people to help you! From receptionist to doctor, they are top notch! You would not regret going here for any of your foot/ankle problems, they will fix you up with the utmost care and compassion.
Yo K
Dr. Castelein and staff were friendly, knowledgeable , efficient and took the time to get to know me and understand my medical needs. I would not hesitate to go to Brighton Foot & Ankle. They go out of their way to treat their patients like family.
Robert
Dr. Castelein is great; he is very nice, patient, and professional. His staff is also excellent and friendly. It's only been about three hours since having my big toenail removed and, with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, there is very little pain(sometimes I completely forget about it); he did an excellent job. Overall, I am very impressed with Dr. Casteleins Practice and I would highly recommend his office.
Joseph
Doctor & staff were so professional, friendly & efficient. I had a high risk condition that they expertly guided me through 5 months of healing. Thankfully a full recovery. I give them my best recommendation.
Lexi
Very friendly and accommodating front desk staff. Dr. Castelein and Jennifer always take their time and do an amazing job! Great variety of quick pick up over the counter products that are always affordable too. Best experience I have had at an office.
Christena
Dr. Castelein is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable in his field. During my visit he did a great job explaining my situation and was very encouraging of any questions. I never felt rushed and I believe to have received the best care possible. Highly recommend this doctor and this facility.
Nicole C
Excellent staff and exceptional doctor. I went in with Bunion issues. Dr. Castelein listened to my concerns and addressed my options. 4 days post-op bunion surgery I can say he did an amazing job. Best experience I have ever had. I would definitely recommend; I promise you won't look further.
Ashley
The staff and Dr. Castelein are all amazing. They are polite and very respectful. I came to see them in 2019 for bunion and hammer toe issues among some others. Dr. Castelein and his assistant listened to my concerns and gave me my options. He explained everything to me in detail and all my questions were answered.. I have seen other podiatrists and he is beyond the best. I would recommend him to anyone.
Alex
Friendly staff and intelligent doctor! I went in for some ankle X-rays and was given a great strategy on the different ways to heal my ankle, and how to progress forward if less invasive treatment doesn't help. I would highly recommend them to anyone with foot or ankle problems!