Podiatrists Decrease Limb Amputation

Continuing our talk on ulcers of the lower extremity, a recent study found that podiatric care decreases the instances of limb amputation. Up to 25% of those with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer. If that ulcer becomes infected and isn’t properly cared for, this can lead to an amputated limb and possibly death. With diabetes affecting 21 million people in the US and 189 million across the globe you can see how this presents a problem.

The study looked at records for 29,000 patients with diabetes, ages 18-64, and compared the risk factors for those who had seen a podiatrist and those who had not. The researchers had found that care by a podiatric physician, which was defined as at least one visit before an ulcer was diagnosed, was associated with a 15% lower risk of amputation and 17% lower risk of hospitalization. Podiatrists are trained to assess your level of risk for an ulcer and make the appropriate prevention plans. This can include offloading pressure on the foot that’s causing the ulcer in the first place.

And this study also points out that podiatrists not only save limbs. After a major amputation, 50% of patients have the other limb amputated within 2 years. And the 5 year mortality rate after limb amputation is at least 50%. This is worse than many types of cancers. So podiatrists can save lives as well as limbs. For concerns about your ulcer or anything else about your feet, come by and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison of Foot Associates of Central Texas.