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.
The foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, and numerous tendons. Complex biomechanics keep all these parts in the right position and moving together. Given these intricacies, it is not surprising that most people will experience some problem with their feet at some time in their lives.
Within each foot, the essential structure can be summed up as follows:
- Seven short tarsal bones make up the heel and back of the instep.
- Five metatarsal bones spread from the back of the foot toward front and make up the structure for the ball of the foot. Each metatarsal is associated with one of the toes.
- Fourteen phalanges, small bones, form the toe structure.
- Tarsal and metatarsal bones provide the structure for the arch of the foot.
- Bands of ligaments connect and hold all the bones in place.
- A thick layer of fatty tissue under the sole helps absorb the pressure and shock that comes from walking and everyday movements.