Diabetic Foot

Diabetes mellitus or more commonly referred to as diabetes is a condition where the body cannot produce enough insulin therefore increasing blood sugar. Insulin is a hormone responsible for the absorption of sugars into the cells. It is mainly produced by the pancreas. Among the other diseases diabetes can cause, the most common problem affecting the lower extremities is diabetic foot.

Normally, the pancreas produces insulin after meals to regulate carbohydrates and sugars that are absorbed in the gut. In case of diabetes, these regulatory processes fail or are insufficient.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Type I diabetes or juvenile diabetes starts from birth, caused by the destruction of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. For this reason, these patients are insulin dependent. Medications, more particularly the injectable insulin are given for the patient to survive. 

Type II diabetes or adult onset diabetes is the most common type of diabetes accounting for 90% to 95% of all diabetics. In type II, there is high blood sugar but there is less insulin being produced or insulin is not efficient enough to decrease blood sugar. Usually, this is initially treated with dietary modifications and exercise. Insulin medication is used only when diet and exercise fail to decrease blood sugar.

If diabetes is not managed properly, high sugar levels over time can lead to fatty deposits in the blood vessel walls. This can affect blood flow and ultimately get obstructed. When blood vessels are obstructed the peripheral nerves especially on the hands and feet die out. This is why it is important for diabetics to observe foot care.

Due to nerve destruction, a diabetic may have decreased sensation on one foot or both feet. This can hinder a patient from sensing minor injuries to the foot such as cuts or blisters. Coupled with poor blood circulation, these cuts can lead to an infection because of poor wound healing. In some cases, injuries of the foot like sprain, strains, or a fracture can go undetected because the patient cannot feel any foot or heel pain. If these conditions are left undetected, then foot deformities can occur or a foot infection can worsen leading to an amputation.

For this reason, diabetics should learn how to inspect and observe their foot. If a decrease in sensation is noticed, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The key to stopping any foot complications due to diabetes is prevention.

For more information about foot complications due to diabetes and proper foot care, please visit the Family Foot and Leg Center in Naples or Contact Dr. Kevin Lam at (239) 430-3668.

All About Foot and Ankle Infections

This is a relatively common medical condition seen at the Family Foot and Leg Center in Naples, Florida. Many patients will end up with this devastating diagnosis and it will lead to a number of amputations across the country, with each year steadily increasing the number of foot and leg amputations primarily from patients with diabetes and the associated complications from such especially with neuropathy and vascular disease.

We try to utilize the most innovative technology to try and prevent this devastating complication (i.e. amputations) , with the use of state of the art external fixators, MicroVas microcirculatory therapy, wound care referrals, and closely working with infectious disease doctors for management of the systemic portion of treatment especially in the case of ankle osteomyelitis. This commonly includes intravenous antibiotics and weekly monitoring of blood tests. There are cases, the foot, feet or even leg are partially amputated.

FFLC prides themselves on diabetic limb salvage, which essentially includes treatment of bone infections of the ankle and foot, as well as prevention of these problems. The medical cener also utilize specific rotation flaps for wound coverage and insertion of antibiotic bone spacers within the area of concern to aide in bone removal and replacement, to prevent major amputations and loss of legs. Most ulcerations of diabetic patients seen have been present for 3 months or more may lead to underlying bone infections in weight bearing areas of the foot if not adequately treated. A qualified wound care specialist is essential for optimal outcomes.

At Family Foot and Leg Center, East, there are prophylactic treatment and maintenance of diabetic patients with routine foot examinations and vascular studies to rule out limb threatening vascular disease, with proper referrals as needed.

This not only involves treatment, eradication of infection, and saving the legs and feet, but also excellent maintenance therapies to patients to prevent these outcomes entirely. A team of physicians, nurses, and health care practitioners are entirely dedicated to our diabetic patients to maintain daily activities, walking, and prevention of serious complications stemming from the pathology of diabetes.

Do Not Ignore Your Heel Pain

Image via WikipediaHeel pain affects hundreds of people each year. Sad to say, this health condition is mostly ignored in America. Statistics show that foot injuries in America are very common compared to other parts of the body. Surprisingly, the feet rank lowest on the list of body parts and functions that Americans consider important to their health according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.

The condition of the foot is directly proportional to a person's quality of life and health. When our feet are functioning normally and in good condition, we can do about anything and have a normal, pain-free life, without any kind of limitations.

However, when the foot is under some sort of pathologic condition and is experiencing even the slightest pain, this could mean all sorts of health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, obesity, circulatory problems and a lot more.

Most often, Americans don't seek a podiatrist even when experiencing foot pain and usually self medicate by taking pain relievers. This practice provides only temporary relieve and in fact, this can cause more injury to the foot.

We experience foot pain when there is something wrong with its biomechanics. This could be an inflamed fascia, a torn ligament, a slight fracture or even just a minor irritation. This pain tells the brain not put too much pressure to the affected foot, that's why we sometimes limp when we walk. Sometimes, when pain is severe, we are forced to rest and lay immobilized even if we don't want to. This has an important purpose, as resting the foot allows it to heal itself. Now, if we take pain medications this healing process is skipped and can lead to further injury or worse: chronic heel or foot pain.

Family Foot and Leg Center is a medical center specializing in healing health issues with lower leg and ankle. Come to us to get treatment for all your foot and lower leg disorders.