The Diabetic Foot is a major modern health challenge
At Podicare we recently viewed a lecture from Dr Alexander Reyzelman, DPM, Division of Vascular surgery at UCSF, which highlights how important prevention of foot ulcers is to a person with diabetes.
The statistics for foot ulceration and re-ulceration are staggering:
- 2-7% of diabetics will develop a foot ulcer each year
- 85% of amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer
- Up to 20% of diabetic foot ulcers lead to amputation
- A diabetic foot ulcer is 30 times more likely to lead to amputation than a non-diabetic foot ulcer
- Up to 56% of diabetic foot ulcers become infected
- Up to 83% of diabetic foot ulcers which have healed will re-ulcerate within 12 months
A Podicare we understand that up to 7% of the diabetic feet that we see could develop a foot ulcer in the next 12 months. Our Podiatrists undertake a COMPREHENSIVE HIGH RISK FOOT EXAMINATION which involves assessing , testing and examining the foot’s sensation, circulation, skin, mechanics and musculoskeletal system. We assign a Foot Risk Status and create a diabetic foot health management plan. This is all part of the very important process of preventing diabetic foot ulcers, by identifying early the risk factors that lead to them.
At Podicare it is our mission to prevent our diabetic patients from becoming another statistic.
The Pod behind the Blog
Corrina Petric: Podiatrist, small business owner, mother, volunteer
Aspiring to Inspire
