/ CONDITIONS / DIABETIC FOOT CARE
Diabetic Foot Care
Comprehensive diabetic foot exams, wound prevention, and ongoing monitoring for San Antonio patients managing diabetes — with coordination across your full care team. Annual exams covered by Medicare.
Andrew Gunter, DPM.
Call (210) 581-9800
Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
Diabetes affects the feet in two primary ways: through peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage that reduces sensation in the feet — and through peripheral vascular disease — impaired circulation that limits the foot's ability to heal. Together, these complications mean that injuries to the feet of diabetic patients can go unnoticed, fail to heal, and progress to serious infections or ulceration that in the most severe cases leads to amputation.
The sobering reality is that the majority of diabetes-related lower extremity amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer — and the majority of those ulcers are preventable with consistent, comprehensive podiatric monitoring. Early detection of changes in skin integrity, circulation, and nerve function allows intervention before minor issues become major ones.
Regular podiatric care is one of the most important and most commonly underutilized components of diabetes management. Many patients with well-controlled diabetes and no current foot symptoms believe they do not need podiatric monitoring — but it is precisely in this asymptomatic window that early detection has the greatest impact.
Dr. Gunter provides comprehensive diabetic foot exams that evaluate every relevant dimension of foot health — circulatory, neurological, structural, and dermatological — and coordinates findings directly with your primary care physician, endocrinologist, and any other specialists managing your diabetes. He treats the foot in the context of your full health picture, not in isolation.
WARNING SIGNS THAT REQUIRE PROMPT EVALUATION:
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Any new wound, cut, blister, or sore on the foot
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Redness, warmth, or swelling in the foot or ankle
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A wound that has not healed within two weeks
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Drainage, odor, or discoloration from a wound
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Sudden onset of foot or leg swelling
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New numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet
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Skin that appears shiny, dry, or discolored
RECOMMENDED APPOINTMENT FREQUENCY:
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Annual comprehensive foot exam— minimum for all diabetic patients
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More frequent visits for patients with active neuropathy, PVD, or history of ulceration or amputation
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Prompt evaluation for any new wound or skin change — do not wait for a scheduled visit
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Ask Dr. Gunter what schedule is right for your specific risk level
Diabetic Foot Care Services
Annual comprehensive diabetic foot exam
A thorough evaluation of circulatory status, neurological function, skin integrity, nail health, and foot structure — documented and coordinated with your primary care and specialist team. Covered by Medicare once per year for diabetic patients.
Wound care and ulcer management
Evaluation, debridement, and management of diabetic foot wounds and ulcers — with coordination of vascular and infectious disease care when indicated. Early wound management is the most effective prevention of serious complications.
Nail and skin care
Safe in-office nail trimming and callus reduction for diabetic patients who cannot safely perform routine foot care independently. Covered by Medicare when diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or neuropathy is documented.
Therapeutic footwear evaluation
Assessment of current footwear adequacy and evaluation for therapeutic shoe benefit eligibility. Appropriate footwear is one of the most important protective factors for diabetic patients. Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts for qualifying patients.
Related conditions: Peripheral Neuropathy · Peripheral Vascular Disease · Venous Insufficiency · Nail & Skin Care
What Dr. Gunter Evaluates at Your Diabetic Foot Exam
A comprehensive diabetic foot exam at The Podiatry Group of South Texas goes well beyond a visual check. Dr. Gunter evaluates:
Circulation: Assessment of pulses in the foot and ankle, skin temperature, capillary refill time, and skin condition to evaluate the adequacy of blood flow to the lower extremity.
Neurological function: Monofilament testing to assess protective sensation — the ability to feel light pressure that would normally signal injury. Vibration testing. Clinical assessment for signs of peripheral neuropathy.
Skin and soft tissue: Inspection of the entire foot surface including between the toes — areas patients often cannot see or reach. Assessment for early skin breakdown, callus formation over bony prominences, fissures at the heel, and any lesions that require attention.
Nail health: Evaluation of nail thickness, curvature, color, and any signs of fungal infection or ingrown nails that increase wound risk.
Structural and biomechanical assessment: Evaluation of foot deformities — bunions, hammertoes, prominent metatarsal heads — that concentrate pressure and increase ulceration risk. Assessment of footwear adequacy.
Findings are documented and communicated to your primary care and specialist team. A written care plan is provided after every exam.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Gunter
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Frequently Asked Questions — Diabetic Foot Care
Annual diabetic foot exam —
Covered by Medicare. Schedule yours today.
Consistent podiatric monitoring is one of the most effective investments in your long-term foot health. Dr. Andrew Gunter, DPM provides comprehensive diabetic foot care coordinated with your full care team across San Antonio and surrounding communities. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare.
Call (210) 581-9800