Who is at risk to developing foot ulcers?
Diabetes by itself does not cause major foot problems. The most common event that may lead to amputation is an “ulcer”. This occurs because a person cannot feel injury to the foot due to nerve damage caused by prolonged diabetes. This is called “neuropathy”. Patients with loss of protective sensation or with poor circulation in the feet need extra efforts towards prevention. The deformed foot in diabetics alters the foot contact to the surface during walking. This altered foot pressure creates pressure-points which ulcerate. Who manages these foot complications in the diabetics? The diabetologist primarily manages the holistic care of the diabetes. Once he identifies the foot at risk he evaluates the foot with the help of a broad array of consulting specialists. The team members who implement preventive and therapeutic strategies are foot surgeons, vascular surgeons, plastic & reconstructive surgeons, and orthopaedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation specialis
