Voice of the Diabetic

Voice of the Diabetic

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FOOT CARE ADVICE

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) urges all diabetic

patients to make sure their physicians check their feet, every office visit,

for any sign of ulcerations. Untreated ulcerations and lesions on the feet can

lead to infection, and can ultimately result in lower limb amputations. Diabetes

is the biggest cause of non- traumatic leg amputation in the U.S.A., with more

than 86,000 lower extremity amputations each year.

Most diabetic patients are vulnerable to foot ulcerations caused by poor blood

circulation in the lower extremities. Diabetic neuropathy, often causing insensitivity

to pain, exacerbates the risk. "Ulcers, the leading cause of foot amputations,

are preventable, if the doctors would routinely check patient's feet. It's tragic

when there is an amputation that could have been prevented by a two-minute foot

exam," states the ACFAS.

Diabetic patients should be checked for nerve sensation, skin irregularities

(such as corns, calluses, punctures, and areas of redness), swelling, drainage,

fungal infection under the toenails, and foot deformities that might cause ulcer-prone

pressure points. If they have bunions, hammertoes, or other deformities, diabetic

patients should discuss their treatment options with a podiatric surgeon. The

idea is to minimize both present and future infection risks.

All diabetics should have foot inspections at least twice a year, but individuals

considered at higher risk should be checked every two to three months, as well

as their daily foot self-inspection. Self-inspection is critical, as it doesn't

take long for infection to worsen and ulcers to occur.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers a free brochure, Diabetic

Foot Problems and Treatments, which is available by calling 1-888-843-3338,

or on the ACFAS website: www.acfas.org

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