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Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic leg and foot amputations? Or that these amputations and complications can be prevented? With proper foot care from the podiatrists at Coastal Podiatry Associates the effects of this disease can be managed and treated. Podiatrists are uniquely qualified to treat the foot and ankle based on their education, training, and experience.
Diabetes has four main types including prediabetes, type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. The American Diabetes Association has a great website at diabetes.org that highlights the different types and symptoms of each. A diabetic foot ulcer is one symptom that may occur in each type. An ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in approximately 20% of people with diabetes. Anyone who has diabetes is at risk to develop these open wounds. People on insulin, overweight, using alcohol and tobacco, or have diabetes-related kidney, eye, and heart disease are at an increased risk to develop ulcers. Ulcers form to a combination of factors such as a lack of feeling, poor circulation, bone deformities, friction, trauma, pressure, and longstanding diabetes.
Once an ulcer is noticed, it is important to see a podiatrist right away. Having medical treatment will reduce the risk of infection and amputation, improve pain and discomfort, and reduce future costs. The goal of ulcer treatment is to reach healing as fast as possible. To speed the recovery process, a podiatrist will attempt to prevent infection, take pressure off the area, remove dead skin and tissue, apply bandages, and manage other health problems. It cannot be stressed how important it is to see a podiatrist like those at Coastal Podiatry Associates as soon as an ulcer is noticed to have the fastest healing.
