The Diabetic Foot

Peripheral neuropathy is the leading cause of foot problems in diabetics. Besides from impaired sensation, vascular insufficiency and repetitive traumas may cause calluses or foot ulcers. If early treatment is not initiated, the risk of amputation increases. Therefore routine foot examination is crucial for diabetics. The examination must be comprehensive. After systemic examination, the sensation, and blood circulation in lower extremities, current skin findings and anatomy (range of motion, muscle strength, and deformities) should be assessed bilaterally. If an ulcer is present, it should be graded. The plain radiograph should be obtained if there is a deformity or an ulcer. The magnetic resonance imaging may help diagnose osteomyelitis. Finally determining the risk level would assist the physician in developing a follow-up plan.