DIABETES & YOUR FEET
Diabetes tops the list of troubling health ailments that Americans face. Up to 25% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Foot ulcers and infections are the most common reason for hospitalization of people with diabetes. However, diabetic ulcerations and amputations are largely preventable. Under a podiatrist's regular care, amputation rates can be reduced by 45-85 percent. Dr. Deiboldt and Dr. Beck recommend that all diabetics visit our office 1-2 times a year for a diabetic foot evaluation and check-up. Please click on the links below to learn more about diabetes and how it affects your feet.
Many disorders can affect the joints of the toes, causing pain and preventing the foot from functioning as it should. People of all ages can have toe problems, from inherited to acquired.
Toe deformities in adults result mainly from an imbalance of the tendons, causing them to stretch or tighten abnormally. People with abnormally long toes, flat feet, or high arches have a greater tendency to develop toe deformities. Arthritis is another major cause of discomfort and deformity. Toe deformities also can be aggravated by poorly fitting footwear, or if a fractured toe heals in a poor position.
The most common digital deformities are hammertoes, claw toes, mallet toes, bone spurs, and overlapping and underlapping toes.