Diabetics need to seek treatment early for foot ulcers

Diabetics need to seek treatment early for foot ulcers

Posted on KPLC-TV

(CNN) - Leg and foot problems among diabetics are common and, in some cases, can lead to amputation. That's why prevention and proper foot care are critical.

To Lisa Summers, managing diabetes meant staying educated and updated.

A year ago, a recumbent bike at the gym turned a normal workout into anything but for Summers.

"I did not realize because of the neuropathy in my feet that my foot was slipping under the strap and it developed a blister about the size of a dime," Summers said.

What happened to her, because of the neuropathy, or dying nerve endings, is common.

"In general, diabetic foot ulcers are caused by the loss of sensation over time to the bottom of the foot and the foot related to high glucose levels," said Dr. David Schwegman.

Improper footwear is often to blame. Diabetics need regular foot checks and should see wound care specialists immediately if there are any disruptions.

"The longer an ulcer is present, the more likely you are to develop risks and complications from that ulcer, such as infections in the bone," Schwegman said.

These complications can lead to amputation, even death, if left unhealed.

"Your risk of death within the next five years exceeds the risk of death of prostate cancer and breast cancer combined," Schwegman said.

Advances in treatment, like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and skin cell substitutes can help patients heal.

Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office anytime @702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you.  Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com  The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging:  Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.

Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures.  In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries.  This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time.  Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery.  Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options).  Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!