Role of the podiatrist in diabetic limb salvage.

Paul J. Kim, Christopher E. Attinger, Karen K. Evans, John S. Steinberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Podiatrists play an important role in the multidisciplinary team in diabetic limb salvage. Podiatry is a specialty that is licensed in the diagnoses and treatment of pathologies of the foot and ankle. The treatment includes both conservative and surgical modalities. Understanding the biomechanics of the lower extremity is principally emphasized in the education and training of a podiatrist. This is particularly important in the context of the diabetic foot where biomechanical abnormalities often precede ulcer development. Preventive ulcer development strategies employed by a podiatrist include regular monitoring, routine care of calluses, and insert/shoe recommendations. Further, clinic-based ulcer care as well as surgery that include prophylactic and acute intervention can translate to the preservation of a functional limb. Finally, continuous podiatric management can prevent ulcer recurrence through offloading strategies and diabetic foot education.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1168-1172
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of vascular surgery
Volume56
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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