Preventing Foot Complications Caused By Diabetes
By William Schlorff D.P.M.
The aging population is translating into more cases of diabetes. With diabetes becoming more prevalent, more health complications are being attributed to the disease. One of the primary areas of the body affected by the disease is the foot.
Most diabetic-related hospital admissions are the result of complications to the foot. Approximately 50 percent of all non-traumatic amputations occur in diabetics. The cost associated with a single amputation is estimated to be more than $60,000. Nationwide, more than $2 billion is spent annually on amputation costs, which does not include the costs of prostheses, rehabilitation and loss of income and jobs.
The rising costs and number of non-traumatic amputations taking place are believed to be attributable to older people living alone and not seeking medical treatment for their foot problems. Diabetes can cause nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy. Although it sometimes causes pain, most of the times it reduces the sensation in the feet and causes numbness leaving many elderly to ignore seeking professional help because they do not feel the pain.
Individuals that lose the protective sensation of pain in their feet are at greater risk of injury and medical complications. People with diabetes also develop poor circulation in their feet. This is called peripheral vascular disease at a much faster rate than a non-diabetic. This condition may present itself as cold feet. Feet may discolor becoming red or blue. Thin skin may develop. There may be loss of hair on the foot or slow toenail growth. To prevent this, diabetics are urged to have their feet examined regularly by testing for pulses in the feet to evaluate the circulation.
Prevention is the best way to minimize foot complications associated with diabetes. Elderly diabetics must observe their feet on a daily basis and seek professional podiatric care immediately if a problem occurs. Diabetics need to be educated on diabetic foot care. Controlling blood sugar levels is essential to reducing complications and this can reduce or greatly limit the progression of both peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.
Any pressure areas on the foot evidenced by corns or calluses are areas prone to ulcerate in a diabetic. If not treated early and aggressively, any ulcer could lead to an amputation. Despite recent advances in wound care some wounds will not respond or heal, so preventing the ulcer from occurring in the first place is of paramount importance.
If an ulcer does form there is a new treatment available to prevent an amputation. It is Apligraf - a skin substitute that can be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers. Apligraf, which was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is designed to approximate the human skin. Using Apligraf is similar to applying dressing on a wound. This state-of-the-art tissue technology is significantly more effective than conventional therapy.
November is American Diabetes Month. Observing this special time, I took part in a diabetic symposium held at the Jersey Shore Hospital. During my presentation, I stressed the importance to people to take special care not only of themselves, but also their loved ones who may be afflicted with the disease. Remember: prevention of any possible complications to the feet is the best way to guard against non-traumatic amputations.
William Schlorff D.P.M. is an active member of the Jersey Shore Hospital medical staff. With an office located in Jersey Shore, Schlorff is a board-certified podiatrist serving residents of Clinton and Lycoming counties for more than 10 years. Before arriving in Jersey Shore, Schlorff was an associate with Frankford Podiatry Associates at 1546 Pratt Street, Philadelphia. In 1990, he completed his Podiatric Surgical residency from Frankford Hospital in Philadelphia. He received his degree from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia.
|
