Health Discoveries in General Health News
Podiatrists may lower number of diabetes-related amputations
August 20, 2010
About one-third of people who have diabetes-related foot ulcers may be able to avoid amputation by including a podiatrist in their medical team.
A study published online in the journal Health Services Research found that patients who saw both a podiatrist and a physician specializing in the care of diabetic feet during the year previous to their diagnosis were 31 percent less likely to require amputation. The study examined Medicare claims on nearly 190,000 diabetic patients with foot problems.
"This study shows that coordinated care substantially reduces amputation rates," said Dr. David Armstrong, a podiatrist and co-founder of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance. "We already knew that when care teams are developed to prevent amputation, in every case we see success. The study documents that this is true across the country."
Podiatrists receive four years of post-college training in a school of podiatry and have licenses to care only for the foot and ankle.
Diabetes leads to poor circulation and damaged nerves that increase the incidence of foot injuries. About one-quarter of diabetic foot ulcers do not heal and eventually require amputation.
The podiatry services of North Shore-LIJ Health System provide extensive medical and surgical care, including reconstructive foot surgery and limb preservation through the Diabetic Foot Care Center.
A study published online in the journal Health Services Research found that patients who saw both a podiatrist and a physician specializing in the care of diabetic feet during the year previous to their diagnosis were 31 percent less likely to require amputation. The study examined Medicare claims on nearly 190,000 diabetic patients with foot problems.
"This study shows that coordinated care substantially reduces amputation rates," said Dr. David Armstrong, a podiatrist and co-founder of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance. "We already knew that when care teams are developed to prevent amputation, in every case we see success. The study documents that this is true across the country."
Podiatrists receive four years of post-college training in a school of podiatry and have licenses to care only for the foot and ankle.
Diabetes leads to poor circulation and damaged nerves that increase the incidence of foot injuries. About one-quarter of diabetic foot ulcers do not heal and eventually require amputation.
The podiatry services of North Shore-LIJ Health System provide extensive medical and surgical care, including reconstructive foot surgery and limb preservation through the Diabetic Foot Care Center.