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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