Foot Amputations On Decline

A new study published in the journal Foot & Ankle International says that foot amputations due to diabetes have decreased.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008, 700,000 people had limb amputations. Limb amputations from diabetics account for 60% of all amputations.
Although the number of foot amputations has decreased in the United States, the number of diagnosed diabetics has increased dramatically. The number of people diagnosed has tripled from 5.6 million in 1980 to 26.9 million in 2010. By 2050, one in every three Americans will have diabetes.
In the new study, researchers looked at data from 2000 to 2010 Medicare claims of toe, feet, and leg amputations. The scientists found that the number of lower and upper leg amputations decreased 29% in the last decade. This information surprised researchers.
"The trend was so clear and obvious than I thought it would be," said lead author Dr. Phinit Phisitkul, an assistant clinical professor at the University of Iowa department of orthopedics and rehabilitation.
While total amputations decreased, partial toe amputations did however increase, by 24%. On a positive note, podiatric treatments for the foot and ankle increased by as much as 143% during the time frame.
Researchers are hesitant to say exactly why the number of amputations has declined, but they do believe that better foot and ankle care for diabetics has been influential in helping them manage and fend off complications.
"We do know that better foot and ankle treatment is part of it though," Phisitkul said.
We'll come right out and say it though- podiatrists have a huge role in managing the diabetic foot and ankle! We are proud to help save the lives and limbs of diabetics across the country and help them maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives. Diabetics who follow the instructions of their endocrinologists and podiatrists are likely to have fewer wounds, ulcers, or sores that require amputation.
Reference: Nature World News
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Glastonbury or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Ayman M. Latif, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Glastonbury and Middletown, CT
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Shoe Inserts Cut Amputation Risk By Half

Swedish researchers have identified a simple way to cut diabetes-related amputations in half: wear shoe inserts.
The research team with the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, began their investigation after statistics were released that every 30 seconds a doctor performs an amputation because of foot ulcers or complications due to diabetes. Many of these amputations can be prevented with conservative treatment and controlling blood sugar.

The main reason for amputations, foot ulcers that haven't healed properly, can be prevented by wearing shoe inserts that protect the foot from creating too much friction. Regular podiatric check-up are also essential in the prevention of toe or foot amputations.
"We found that good shoes and inserts can reduce pressure on the foot by 50 percent compared with going barefoot," said research Ulla Tang. "Our conclusion at the end of one year is that... inserts effectively distribute pressure under the sole in order to minimize the risk of ulcers."
The study was conducted over a period of five years by the Gothenburg researchers of diabetic foot complications. They studied 114 Swedish patients with diabetes who were at risk for developing foot ulcers. The participants wore one of three different types of shoe inserts, or orthotics, over two years.
Just 0.9 percent of participants developed new foot ulcers during the first year, compared to 3-8 percent who typically report having ulcers.
"Ulcer prevention is not only a way of relieving suffering, but a sound financial investment," Tang said. Amputations are far more costly in personal and monetary concerns than shoe inserts.
The researchers also developed a new digital tool doctors can use to assess the patient's risk for foot ulcers.
Reference: NewsMax Health
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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Diabetic Foot Ulcer Statistics

At any given moment, between 4 and 10% of diabetics have a diabetic foot ulcer. Over a lifetime of diabetes, more than a quarter of diabetic patients will have a diabetic foot ulcer. In high risk groups, more than half of the patients will get an ulcer once a year.
In 3-5% of cases, the ulcer will become serious enough that an amputation will need to be performed to save the limb or the patient's life. Approximately 80,000 amputations are performed every year because of diabetic foot ulcers. The number of amputations is staggering, but so are the costs as well:

• The cost to heal a simple diabetic foot ulcer is between $5,000-$6,000, assuming there is prompt treatment on the patient's part.
• Cost for patients with infected ulcers or peripheral arterial disease is nearly $21,000.
• Minor amputations, like a big toe, cost $23,000, while major amputations like below the knee cost $53,000. 
• Annual cost of diabetic foot ulcers in the United States is $12.5 billion.

With prompt, proper, and aggressive care, diabetic foot ulcers can be treated and heal. But delaying calling your podiatrist will increase your chances of infection, gangrene, and amputation. No one wants to live a life with fewer limbs. Follow your doctor's instructions about your diabetic care and you will have all your limbs all your life!
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow my tweets on Twitter.

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