Prevent Limb Loss. See Your Podiatrist.

Amputation of a limb is a serious risk for people living with diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 73,000 diabetics lose a limb for reasons other than sudden accident or injury each year. This represents 60% of all annual non-traumatic amputations and is a life-threatening crisis. Research shows that up to 50% of diabetics will die in the two years following the loss of a limb. Middlesex County podiatrists, Dr. Jason Grossman and Dr. Paul A. Osemene, want you to know more about what you can do to reduce your risk.

• The most important thing you can do to protect your feet, ankles, and lower legs is to manage your diabetes effectively. Eat properly and exercise regularly. Be sure to take all medication as prescribed by your doctor. It will help keep your blood glucose levels stable and will lower the risk of further complications caused by your illness.

• Check your feet regularly. Diabetes can impact sensation, and lead to a condition known as neuropathy. Be alert to numbness or tingling and report these symptoms to your podiatrist without delay, as neuropathy can make it challenging to perceive the discomfort usually associated with small injuries. For diabetics, these small nicks and cuts can easily turn into deep, painful wounds called diabetic ulcers. Every year, up to 4% of diabetics develop one of these ulcers, which can be extremely challenging to heal. 10-15% do not heal at all, and one in four of those lead to amputation.

• Diabetes can lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a loss of blood flow to the limbs. Signs of PAD include loss of body hair, shiny or smooth skin, muscle weakness, or feelings of constant cold. Talk to your doctor about PAD treatment, which can help heal ulcers and reduce the risk of amputation.

•  Early intervention is key to preventing limb loss. See a podiatrist annually. Schedule an additional visit if you’re experiencing foot pain, or any time you notice a change in the appearance or shape of your feet. Your foot doctor is a medical specialist and experienced in helping diabetics reduce their risk of limb loss.

Are you worried about the effects of diabetes on your feet, or do you have another concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? Call the friendly Advanced Feet and Ankle Care staff at (732) 679-4330 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment with Middlesex County podiatrists Jason Grossman, DPM and Paul A. Osemene, DPM in our modern, comfortable offices in Old Bridge and Sayreville today.