Diabetic Foot Care NYC | Downtown NYC Footcare
If you’re living with diabetes, your feet need specialized attention. Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced blood flow to the feet, turning minor issues into serious complications. At Downtown NYC Footcare, Dr. Richard Loninger, DPM, provides comprehensive diabetic foot care to help you avoid ulcers, infections, and amputations.
With 13 convenient offices across NYC and New Jersey, we make it easy to stay on top of your foot health.
Why Diabetic Foot Care Matters
Diabetes affects your feet in two primary ways:
Peripheral Neuropathy
High blood sugar damages the nerves in your feet, leading to numbness, tingling, or burning sensations. The danger? You may not feel a blister, cut, or sore — allowing it to worsen unnoticed.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diabetes reduces circulation to your feet. Poor blood flow means cuts heal slowly and infections are harder to fight off. Even a small wound can become a serious medical emergency.
The combination of numbness (you can’t feel problems) and poor circulation (your body can’t heal them) makes preventative care absolutely essential.
Our Diabetic Foot Care Services
Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exams
Regular screening exams are the foundation of diabetic foot care. Dr. Loninger performs:
- Neurological assessment — testing sensation with a monofilament, tuning fork, and pinprick
- Vascular evaluation — checking pulses, skin temperature, and circulation
- Dermatological inspection — examining for cracks, calluses, blisters, and ulcers
- Musculoskeletal exam — assessing for structural changes like Charcot foot
- Footwear assessment — ensuring your shoes fit properly and provide adequate protection
The American Diabetes Association recommends all diabetics receive a comprehensive foot exam at least once per year — more frequently if you have risk factors.
Neuropathy Management
While nerve damage cannot be reversed, we offer treatments to manage symptoms:
- Topical and oral medications — to reduce pain and burning sensations
- Custom orthotics — specialized diabetic inserts that redistribute pressure and prevent ulcer formation
- Therapeutic footwear — recommendations for diabetic-friendly shoes
- Lifestyle guidance — blood sugar management and daily self-care routines
Wound Care
If a sore or ulcer develops, prompt treatment is critical:
- Debridement — removal of dead or infected tissue
- Specialized wound dressings — advanced products that promote healing
- Offloading — cast boots, crutches, or specialized footwear to take pressure off wounds
- Infection management — antibiotics and close monitoring
- Multidisciplinary coordination — working with your endocrinologist and primary care physician
Preventative Care
The best treatment is prevention. We educate every diabetic patient on:
- Daily self-exams — how to inspect your feet and what to look for
- Proper hygiene — washing, drying, and moisturizing techniques
- Safe nail care — how (and how not) to trim your toenails
- Shoe selection — what to look for in diabetic-friendly footwear
- Emergency warning signs — when to call immediately
Why Choose Downtown NYC Footcare for Diabetic Foot Care?
- Dr. Richard Loninger — 25+ years of podiatric experience, Johns Hopkins–trained
- 13 convenient locations — 10 in NYC, 3 in NJ — easy to fit into your schedule
- Comprehensive approach — we coordinate with your entire healthcare team
- Most insurance plans accepted — including Medicare
- Same-week appointments often available for established patients with concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a diabetic see a podiatrist?
The American Diabetes Association recommends a comprehensive foot exam at least once a year. However, if you have neuropathy, circulation problems, a history of ulcers, or difficulty managing your blood sugar, you should be seen every 2–3 months.
What are the warning signs of a diabetic foot problem?
Watch for: numbness or tingling, changes in skin color (redness, paleness), swelling, temperature changes (hot or cold spots), blisters or sores that don’t heal, ingrown toenails, and cracks or fissures in the skin — especially around the heels.
Can neuropathy in the feet be reversed?
While nerve damage from diabetes is generally permanent, progression can be slowed with good blood sugar control. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications like ulcers.
Why are diabetics more prone to foot infections?
High blood sugar impairs immune function and reduces circulation, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Even a small cut or blister can become infected rapidly. This is why regular foot exams are so important.
What type of shoes should a diabetic wear?
Look for shoes with a wide, deep toe box, soft interior lining with no seams, removable insoles (for custom orthotics), and good arch support. Avoid pointed toes, high heels, and shoes made of stiff materials that can create pressure points.
Protect Your Feet. Protect Your Health.
Diabetic foot complications are largely preventable with regular care. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one. Downtown NYC Footcare makes it easy to stay proactive about your foot health.
Call (212) 804-6784 to schedule your diabetic foot exam. 13 offices across NYC and New Jersey. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare.
Your feet will thank you.
Foot Doctor