If you answered yes, it is really important you bring them in for a diabetic foot check-up and monitor the health of their feet on a regular basis.
If the answer is yes, it is really important that you seek a second opinion with our wound care specialist at Corona Foot and Ankle Group.
Has your elderly family member been complaining about mild foot pain? Or did you recently notice an ulcer on your own foot? Whether a cut, scrape, deeper wound, or a foot ulcer, it’s important to have a professional examine and treat it. Foot ulcers and other wounds are a big deal, even if they aren’t large but extremely painful, they should not be ignored. Too often, smaller wounds go ignored long enough to develop into something serious. That foot pain grandma is experiencing could even lead to amputation if ignored too long. Those with diabetes are especially at risk for lower-leg amputations. Having a trained medical professional examine your feet will help lower the risk of amputations in the future.
More than half of amputations in the U.S. are caused by vascular disease, or disease of the blood vessels. Reduced blood flow to the feet is especially common in people with diabetes. That means that those with diabetes have a higher risk of developing ulcers on their feet that don’t heal. They can spread to the tissues and bones deep within the foot. If not treated promptly, even a small wound can lead to amputation. In fact, the Amputee Coalition reports that 85% of lower-limb amputations are preceded by a foot ulcer.
Dr. Amin and the staff at Corona Foot and Ankle Group understand the intricacies of the healing process and how to promote wound healing. We offer comprehensive exams to diagnose the true cause of the wound, so that we can implement an individualized treatment plan for you. If you are diabetic, we can offer self-check tips and scheduled office visits to help prevent the risk of lower limb amputation. Early access to care for at-risk patients is particularly important. Earlier intervention leads to higher success rates with healing and lower risk of amputation. Additionally, amputation is not the only major side effect of diabetic foot ulcers, peripheral arterial disease, heart attack, stroke, and renal disease have all been associated with the presence of diabetic foot ulcers.
The Mayo Clinic says better diabetic care, including regular visits to a podiatrist, are the reason why lower limb amputations have gone down by more than 50 percent in the past 20 years. In addition to diabetes, there are other factors that lead to an increased risk of amputation, including: high blood sugar levels, smoking, nerve damage in the feet, calluses or corns, foot deformities, poor blood circulation, kidney disease, and high blood pressure. Contact Corona Foot and Ankle if you or a loved one has diabetes or any of the following symptoms: ingrown toenails, blisters, plantar warts, athlete’s foot, open sores or bleeding, swelling, redness, warmth in one area of the foot, discolored skin, pain, foul odor, an ulcer larger than 2 centimeters or lasting longer than two weeks, or a sore that doesn’t quickly begin to heal.
If you’ve already been told you or a loved one needs a lower-leg amputation, visit Dr. Amin for a second opinion. If you’re a medical professional who doesn’t specialize in wound care, please refer to us so we can work with you to ensure each patient is getting the best care possible. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the wound. Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which a severe loss of tissue or a life-threatening infection may necessitate amputation. Decrease the risk of amputation for you and your loved ones by insisting on regular, thorough foot care. Let Dr. Amin and our skilled staff at Corona Foot and Ankle help you, don’t wait to make an appointment. Waiting may likely make things worse.
Have any questions about treatment? Feel free to make an appointment, Our team will reach you soon!
Contact Us
