MichiganFootCare.com DIABETES AND YOUR FEET
Transcript of MichiganFootCare.com DIABETES AND YOUR FEET
NorthPointe News November 2017 Volume 8 Issue 11
NorthPointe Foot & Ankle 27901 Woodward Ave.
Suite 110 Berkley, MI 48072
(248) 545-0100 MichiganFootCare.com
Lee Hoffman, DPM Brian Kissel, DPM
Charles Kissel, DPM Michael Schey, DPM David Ungar, DPM
Marc Weitzman, DPM
MEET THE TEAM Nicci Sandifer
NorthPointe Foot & Ankle is pleased to welcome Nicci Sandifer to the team as an insurance specialist and medical assistant.
NIcci joins the team with over seven years of podiatry office experience. She earned her Medical Office Administration certificate from Kaplan University and is studying social work at Wayne State Universi-ty.
As an insurance specialist, NIcci will help verify insurance coverage and answer patient questions. She will also perform duties as a medical assistant when needed.
When not in the office, Nicci enjoys shopping - especially for shoes and purses - eating out and traveling.
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DIABETES AND YOUR FEET Healthy feet are essential for overall good
health, no matter your age, fitness level, or
physical challenges. For people with
diabetes, however, taking care of their feet is
especially vital. More than 60 percent of all
non-traumatic lower-limb amputations world-
wide are related to complications from the
disease, according to the American Diabetes
Association.
A 2012 study by the American Podiatric Medi-
cal Association (APMA) indicates Hispanics
with diabetes are particularly in danger,
because more than 90 percent of those with
the disease or at risk for it have never seen a
podiatrist as part of their health care.
The leading cause of hospitalization among
people with diabetes—regardless of
ethnicity—is foot ulcers and infections, but
most of those problems are largely preventa-
ble. It’s important for those with the disease to
receive regular foot exams by a podiatrist.
While ulcers—open sores on the foot—are
the most common diabetes-related foot prob-
lem, several others are also serious and
prevalent, including neuropathy, skin
changes, calluses, poor circulation, and
infection. The nerve damage that diabetes
causes may mean a person with an ulcer or
injury may be unaware of it until it becomes
infected. Infection can lead to partial or full
amputation of the foot
or lower leg. Regular
care from a podiatrist
can reduce amputa-
tion rates up to 80
percent, according to
the APMA.
People with diabetes
need to inspect their feet daily and be vigilant
for warning signs of ulcers, including irritation,
redness, cracked or dry skin (especially around
the heels), or drainage on their socks.
Although ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot
or ankle, they are typically found on pressure
points on the foot, like the ball of the foot or
bottom of the big toe. If an ulcer is discovered,
or other symptoms, a podiatrist should be seen
immediately. In many cases, the foot can be
saved with early treatment.
In addition to examining feet every day, and
keeping blood glucose
in the target range,
NorthPointe Foot &
Ankle podiatrists advise
following these foot
health tips:
Discuss diabetes
and the risks with
family members.
Diabetes can be hereditary, so talk to
family members about monitoring blood
sugar and foot health.
Never go barefoot. Always protect feet with
the proper footwear and make sure socks
and shoes are comfortable and fit well.
Trim toenails straight across, and never cut
the cuticles. Seek immediate treatment for
ingrown toenails, as they can lead to
serious infection.
Keep feet elevated while sitting.
Wiggle toes and move feet and ankles up
and down for five-minute sessions through-
out the day.
Schedule a Comprehensive Diabetic
Foot Exam. This simple, painless
examination helps diagnose the onset of
diabetes and foot related problems due to
the disease.
High Heel Stress Self Foot Exam Rotary Club of Berkley’s Annual Pancake
Breakfast
Our own Dr. Hoffman will be serving up pancakes at a breakfast that sup-ports local programs. All you can eat. Tickets available at the NorthPointe Office: adults $8; 13 and under $4.
Saturday, November 11 7:30 am—12:30 pm
First United Methodist Church 2820 Twelve Mile, Berkley
Warm up Your Neighbors!
NorthPointe Foot & Ankle is joining the Berkley Senior Center in collecting new gloves, hats, scarves and socks for all ages. The gifts will be distributed to those less fortunate in the community before Christmas.
Collection of New Items November 13—December 8
NorthPointe Foot & Ankle Office or Berkley Senior Center
Follow these simple steps to perform your daily foot exam:
Check for loss of sensation in the feet, called neuropathy.
Examine skin for calluses, blisters, sores, excessively dry or
cracked skin, or any other unusual conditions, especially between
the toes.
Look for signs of decreased circulation such as thin, fragile, shiny
skin with loss of hair.
Check the feet for extreme temperatures (excessive warmth or coldness).
Inspect nails for thickening, ingrown corners, excessive length, and fungal infection.
Inspect socks, tights, and/or pantyhose for blood or any discharge.
Examine footwear for torn linings, foreign objects like rocks or small pebbles, im-
proper fit, and irritating seams.
REMEMBER: If you have trouble reaching your feet to complete your daily foot exam, prop up a mirror on the floor or ask a friend or family member for help.
Make sure you are also checking for signs of both venous and arterial ulcers, a common sign of vascular disease that presents as a sore or wound. Here is what to look for on your daily foot exam:
Common signs of a venous ulcer:
Shallow or superficial appearance
Irregular shape small to large
Brownish in appearance
Skin tends to be thick
Painful, usually related to edema, or swelling You’ll most likely find a venous ulcer on the lower leg and ankle.
Common signs of an arterial ulcer:
Raised/punched-out appearance
Smooth wound edges
Cool to the touch
Skin is pale, shiny, taut, and thin
Minimal to no hair growth on the limbs
Painful, especially at night You’ll most likely find an arterial ulcer on the side of the foot, but one can occur anywhere on the lower leg or foot.
Thank you for joining us for our Fall Family Fun Day and for your generous donations to Berkley/Huntington Woods Youth Assistance.