Dr. K. Smith - Podiatrist

03/12/2026

Did you know I was on YouTube? Come on over and check me out! Don’t forget to subscribe for tips.

How do diabetic foot ulcers actually start? Most people think ulcers appear suddenly, but the truth is they develop through a silent cascade of damage that o...

03/12/2026

Most diabetic foot ulcers start in the same few places.

The most common starting points I see are:
1. Calluses
2. Pressure points
3. Toenail or skin injuries
4. Poor-fitting shoes

None of these look dangerous at first — until they are.

Save this. These are the spots you should check daily.

Click my 🔗 in BIO to see my full recommendations on AMZN

03/10/2026

Sometimes the only way to relieve the pain… is to remove the nail.

This patient had a severely thickened toenail causing pain and inflammation. When conservative treatment isn’t enough, a total nail removal procedure can relieve pressure and allow the nail to grow back healthier. This procedure is also used for ingrown nails.

The procedure is done under local anesthesia and typically provides immediate relief from the painful pressure patients feel when the nail digs into the skin.

Ingrown toenails are extremely common, but when left untreated they can lead to infection, chronic pain, and difficulty walking.

If a toenail is red, swollen, painful, or draining, it’s time to have it evaluated.

Call 803-722-6454 to schedule an in person or virtual (SC residents only) appointment.

03/09/2026

How do diabetic foot ulcers actually start? Most people think ulcers appear suddenly, but the truth is they develop through a silent cascade of damage that often goes unnoticed until it becomes limb-threatening.

In this video, I explain how diabetic foot ulcers really start, why they are so often missed, and most importantly how they can be prevented with early podiatric care and daily foot checks.

Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy), pressure points, skin breakdown, and poor circulation, all of which increase the risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer. Without early treatment, these wounds can lead to serious infections, hospitalization, or even amputation.

The good news? Most diabetic foot ulcers are preventable.

In this video you’ll learn:
• The step-by-step process of how foot ulcers develop
• Why neuropathy makes injuries go unnoticed
• The early warning signs patients and caregivers should watch for
• How daily foot checks and regular podiatry visits can prevent complications

If you or a loved one has diabetes, understanding these risks can make the difference between early treatment and serious complications.

Early education saves limbs.

📍 Schedule your diabetic foot exam: 803-722-6454

03/08/2026

Diabetic foot disease is often missed in these settings — not because people don’t care, but because these 3 things aren't happening.

Know what questions to ask each facility you're considering.

diabetic foot disease
assisted living facilities
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diabetes complications
elderly diabetes care
neuropathy in elderly
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wound care in long term care
preventing amputations
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podiatrist explains
limb preservation
non healing foot wounds

03/07/2026

Doctor Mom: Episode 2

What I look for in athletic shoes as both a podiatrist and a football mom:

✔ Proper fit

✔ Stability

✔ Position-specific function

Growing athletes need more than style — they need support.

03/06/2026

About 1 in 4 people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point.
That’s why education, daily checks, and early podiatric care matter.

Prevention starts before the wound.
Amputation Prevention
Diabetic Wound Care
Non Healing wounds
Diabetic Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy
Save Limbs Save Lives

03/06/2026

About 1 in 4 people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point.
That’s why education, daily checks, and early podiatric care matter.

Prevention starts before the wound.

03/04/2026

Many families assume:

1. Someone is checking their loved one's feet regularly
2. Foot care is automatically included in assisted living
3. Our loved one would tell us if their feet hurt
4. Foot pain is a normal part of aging

These assumptions can put our loved one in danger. Asking the right questions early can change outcomes.

diabetic foot disease
assisted living facilities
diabetic foot ulcers
diabetes complications
elderly diabetes care
neuropathy in elderly
foot ulcers in assisted living
wound care in long term care

02/25/2026

The most common gaps I see in ALF foot care are:
A. Lack of routine foot checks
B. Poor footwear oversight
C. Missed early warning signs due to underreporting of pain
🗣️These are fixable problems.