3 Great Reasons Diabetics Should Regularly See A Podiatrist

The Mayo Clinic, among other world-renowned health institutions consider diabetes to be an epidemic in America. Not only has diabetes mellitus been proven to shorten an individual’s life, but it also decreases quality of life due to the vast array of complications associated with this chronic disease. What many people who suffer from diabetes don’t realize is that lower extremity care is one of the most important entities of the disease management process. To concisely, and adequately emphasize this thought consider the following 3 facts;

1.  Up to 25% of those with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer.

-Singh, Armstrong, Lipsky.  J Amer Med Assoc 2005

2. People with a history of a diabetic foot ulcers have a 40% greater 10 year mortality than people with diabetes alone.

-Iversen, et al, Diabetes Care 32:2193-2199, 2009

3. Each $1 invested in care by a podiatrist for people with diabetes results in $27 to $51 of healthcare savings.

-JAPMA, 101(2), 2011

Diabetes affects 26 million people in the US and more than 366 million people worldwide. Additionally, diabetes kills more people in the US every year than AIDS and breast cancer combined. The people suffering from it need to understand the importance of receiving proper treatment, and from whom; to have a better outcome. The aforementioned facts clearly demonstrate the importance of proactive care in the disease management and prevention process of diabetes.

Other sources: American Diabetes association

**This blog, and the medical information it presents is made possible by Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. He has been practicing board certified podiatry for over 20 years, and accepts new patients. Visit his website for additional information here. To schedule an appointment, or find directions to his office click here.

Lisfranc Injuries in Athletes

Lisfranc injuries of the foot seem to be stealing the headlines lately. Both Cedric Benson, NFL running back for the Green Bay Packers, and Santonio Holmes, wide receiver for the New York Jets both recently suffered from Lisfranc injuries. Santonio Holmes injury was bad enough the Jets team doctors determined he will not play for the remainder of the season. While Lisfranc injuries may not be as common as ACL tears, they definitely are relevant in traumatic sports injuries, and often go undiagnosed.

So, what exactly is a Lisfranc’s injury? It’s an injury to the midfoot that involves either the transverse joint that spans the midfoot, or the ligament that connects the medial cuneiform and 2nd metatarsal bones. Both the aforementioned joint and ligament are named after French surgeon Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin. When an athlete suffers a so-called Lisfranc injury, most often times the ligament has been sprained or ruptured due to excessive force with abnormal motion, and/or impact. The significance here is that Lisfranc’s ligament has a huge role in supporting the medial arch of the foot during standing, walking, and running for example, and an injury to the area requires proper rehab, and sometimes surgery for full recovery. Symptoms seen with this injury include midfoot swelling, redness, pain, and inability to bear weight.This isn’t an injury that will heal well on it’s own with simple rest and icing. Lisfranc injuries should be assessed for severity, and treated by a doctor to achieve proper healing, prevent osteoarthritis secondary to the trauma, and avoid loss of joint range of motion.


**This blog, and the medical information it presents is made possible by Dr. Michael Garvin of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. He has been practicing board certified podiatry for over 20 years, and accepts new patients. Visit his website for additional information here. To schedule an appointment, or find directions to his office click here.