Foot Exams Help Prevent Ulcerations

diabetic foot syndrome

We urge all of our patients to make sure their primary-care physicians check their feet during every office visit for signs of ulcerations that, left untreated, can lead to infection and ultimately result in lower limb amputations.

It’s a simple exam that takes two minutes to determine if you are at risk for developing a foot ulcer. Perhaps the easiest way to remember to get your feet checked is to remove your shoes and socks in the examining room. Most diabetic patients are vulnerable to foot ulcerations caused by poor blood circulation in the lower extremities and neuropathy that inhibits nerve sensation.

Ulcers are the leading cause of foot amputations among people with diabetes, but they are preventable in most cases if doctors routinely check their patient’s feet.

In a routine foot exam we check for nerve sensation, skin irregularities (corns, calluses, punctures and areas of redness), swelling, drainage, and foot deformities that cause unnatural pressure points that are prone to ulceration.

Patients with diabetes who have their feet checked regularly can prevent foot ulcers or have them treated at early stages by their podiatrist.

Why a foot doctor?

Dr. Kate and I were talking the other day about the different types of doctors and other fields she might of considered entering other than Podiatry. After talking, I started wondering why Dr. Kate chose becoming a Doctor of Feet afterall and here's what she had to say!

What made you decide to become a foot doctor? When was this? My grandpa was Type 1 Diabetic with complications and he was the only grandparent I never met, this made me become interested in Diabetes. I also wanted to specialize in surgeries as opposed to an orthopedic doctor or doing hip surgeries, etc. Another reason is because I was an athlete in school and was exposed to injuries. So Podiatry covers all of the above- Diabetes, Surgeries and Sports Medicine! I believe I made the decision my senior year in college.

You're a young doctor, do you think its an advantage or disadvantage drawing patients to you? I 100% believe it's an advantage because Podiatry training is becoming better, you're well trained and are given good exposure to multiple aspects of Podiatry.

What do you love about your job? Helping people overcome their disease or complication and educating them on how it affects their foot health. Also, I met my current boyfriend through a patient (who is a good friend now!) and am thankful this career has led me to the person I hope to marry!

What do you do in your free time? When I can I spend time with my friends and family and try to live a healthy and active lifestyle with sporting activities.

How would you encourage others to enter this same profession? I would encourage them to shadow which is following a doctor around to educate them on what they would be taught and able to do.

Thanks Dr. Kate for taking the time out of your hectic day to inform others on what it's like to be a Podiatrist!