DIABETICS NEED COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FOOT EXAM

Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are the two complications people with diabetes should be aware of, says Bruce Pinker, DPM, a podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon in Nanuet, New York. Both are complications of diabetes that affect the lower legs and feet. "Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage in people with diabetes, can be painful and sometimes chronic," he explains. "It usually involves tingling, numbness, or burning in the legs and feet."

 

Dr. Bruce Pinker

 

Inspect your feet for cuts, scrapes or bruises — pretty much any abnormalities — says Dr. Pinker. That includes checking between your toes for things like corns, ulcers, or athlete's foot. At minimum, Dr. Pinker says anyone with diabetes should visit their podiatrist for a comprehensive annual foot exam. Those with severe cases of diabetic neuropathy or PAD may need to be seen every few months, though.

 

Source: Lacey Muinos, LiveStrong [8/8/23]

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News