Board Certified Foot Specialists
Jack A. Reingold, D.P.M.
(Senior Associate)
Office, located in Encinitas
(next to Scripps Memorial)
1011 Devonshire Dr, Suite F
Encinitas, CA 92024
Voice: (760) 942-1890
Fax: (760) 942-1895
E-mail: [email protected]
Diabetes is a systemic disease that can have a drastic effect on the feet. Wounds and ulcers that occur in diabetic feet can be very difficult to heal and are especially susceptible to infection, which can result in myriad problems. The major percentage of amputations not due to trauma are related to diabetes.
Since diabetes affects many millions of Americans, this problem is hardly isolated. Diabetics need to pay special attention to their feet because sensitivity in this area is often lost. A diabetic may not feel a stone in his or her shoe and may not notice a small sore that can become a wound. To complicate matters even further, healing is slow for diabetics. An ulcer could take two years or more to heal, and if it can't be healed, amputation may be recommended to avoid its spreading to the leg.
Fortunately, preventive measures and new methods of healing have been developed, offering hope to diabetics. One method utilizes surgery to stretch the Achilles tendon. By doing this, the force on the ball of the foot applied with each step is reduced. This lessens the likelihood of developing an ulcer and allows those that do develop to heal more rapidly. Another method uses tech- nology called "skin equivalent dressings" to shorten healing time. Podiatrists are an important part of a diabetic's health-care team when the problem of foot ulcers arises. Diabetics should seek podiatric help for routine foot care as well as foot problems directly related to their diabetes.
An Ounce of Prevention
Diabetics can help prevent foot wounds by taking the following precautions with their feet:
Questions or Comments?
We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.
1011 Encinitas Dr., Suite F
Encinitas, CA 92024