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.
Skin lesions refer to any variation in skin color or texture anywhere on the body. Some skin lesions are present at birth, such as moles, freckles, or birthmarks. Others are acquired over time, such as acne, warts, allergies, sunburn, or abrasions. Most skin lesions are harmless. However, it is important to keep an eye on them because they can change over time, which may be indicative of a serious problem. For example, one pigmented lesion that can occur on the foot and lower extremity is malignant melanoma.
A condition called actinic keratosis is another cancer-causing lesion that can occur on the feet. It is most commonly found in sun-exposed areas, such as the top of the foot. Treatment consists of freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen or sharp excision.
Kaposi's Sarcoma is another cancerous lesion that may appear on the soles of the feet of people with HIV infection or AIDS. Kaposi's Sarcoma lesions are irregular in shape and have a purplish, reddish, or bluish-black appearance. They tend to spread and form large plaques or become nodular. The nodular lesions have a firm, rubbery appearance.