Get periodic foot exams. Seeing your foot and ankle surgeon on a regular basis can help prevent the foot complications of diabetes.
Regular diabetic foot care is an extremely important part of monitoring the health and disease progression of a diabetic patient. However, lower extremity health is often neglected until something goes wrong. Nationally, 18 million Americans are diabetic, and a staggering 83% of diabetics end up with some type of limb amputation.
Here at Wayne Foot and Ankle, we strive to be a part of the reduction of diabetic related limb complications. We specialize in making sure our diabetic patients are educated on the importance of regular foot screenings, and that all questions are answered to complete satisfaction.
In our diabetic foot exam we explore four different body systems to make sure your foot AND systemic health are in check.
Vascular
- We make sure we monitor our patients’ circulation by testing arterial supply to the foot using: manual detection, doppler, and/or cuff measurements.
- We also monitor other signs of vascular insufficiency or compromise by checking the quality of skin, presence of swelling and varicosities, and skin temperature
Dermatology
- The skin is the primary and first defense against invading microorganisms. Therefore, the entire foot including toe web-spaces is checked for open lesions or areas of breakdown.
- We check for callous build up, proper skin hydration, pigmentations, rashes, nodules, and abnormal nail growth.
Musculoskeletal
- We examine muscle strength, joint range of motion, biomechanical abnormalities, and deformities.
- Our knowledge of lower extremity anatomy and pathology allow us to diagnose any cause of foot pain.
Neurology
- Diabetes is well known for causing neuropathy, which is a medical term for nerve damage. Neuropathy could manifest itself in pain, or lack of sensation.
- We monitor the foot for any change in sensation and educate the patient on how best to treat painful nerve sensations, and prevent ulceration/open sores.
Not only do we do a thorough clinical lower extremity exam, we also monitor the systemic health and vitals of our patients. We will work hand in hand with your primary care physician to make sure that your health is monitored and that you are cared for from head to toe!
Broken Ankle
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, doctors have noticed an increase in the number and severity of broken ankles since the 1970s, due, in part, to the Baby Boomer generation being active throughout every stage of their lives.
The ankle has two joints, one on top of the other, and three bones. Abroken ankle can involve one or more of the bones, as well as injury to the surrounding connecting tissues or ligaments.
There are a wide variety of causes for broken ankles, most commonly a fall, an automobile accident, or sports-related trauma. Because a severe sprain can often mask the symptoms of a broken ankle, every ankle injury should be examined by a physician.
Symptoms of a broken ankle include:
- Bruising.
- Swelling.
- Immediate and severe pain.
- Inability to put any weight on the injured foot.
- Tenderness to the touch.
- Deformity, particularly if there is a dislocation or a fracture.
The treatment for a broken ankle usually involves a leg cast or brace if the fracture is stable. If the ligaments are also torn, or if the fracture created a loose fragment of bone that could irritate the joint, surgery may be required to secure the bones in place so they will heal properly.
