Identifying and addressing foot problems as a result of diabetes should be a priority for diabetics. A podiatrist with Baylor College of Medicine outlines the types of foot issues that can be encountered and how they can be treated. “Diabetes is a multi-system disease, and the circulation in the feet and legs may be diminished because there are problems with blood vessels that get narrowed or clogged as a result of the diabetes,” said Ronald Lepow, DPM, assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor. “A major cause of foot problems in diabetics is lack of blood flow.”
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Dr. Ronald Lepow |
A common foot issue in diabetics is that pressure areas, such as callused or injured areas, do not heal as rapidly due to poor circulation as they would in a person who is not diabetic, Dr. Lepow said. This can lead to ulcerations or a variety of infections in these traumatized areas. To treat an ulcer on the foot, a podiatrist will take all precautions to ensure there is no pressure in the area of the ulcer. This can mean wearing an orthotic, special shoe, or even a boot during the time the ulcer is treated.
Source: Dipali Pathak, Milwaukee Community Journal [3/6/18]
Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News.
Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's Foot Clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics.
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