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.
Physical therapy can often help decrease the pain and swelling in a painful area of the foot or ankle. Heel spurs, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns and calluses, as well as many post-operative surgical conditions, respond well to physical therapy.
Common kinds of physical therapy may include hot packs, massage, paraffin baths, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and diathermy (deep heating of tissues through use of electric current) to relieve pain and swelling, increase range of motion, prevent joint stiffening, rebuild muscle strength, and support the proper alignment of foot structures.