If you are a patient living with diabetes, are you aware that according to the National Institute of Health, over your lifetime you have approximately a 25% chance of developing a foot ulcer? Even worse is that 14% to 24% of patients who develop a foot ulcer unfortunately eventually wind up with an amputation! But do you know that approximately 75% of all diabetic foot ulcers are completely preventable? Here’s how…
The most common cause of diabetic foot ulcers and infections involve abnormalities in the small nerve fibers that control our sweat glands. As a result, patients with diabetes often have dry skin on their feet known as xerosis. But sometimes that dry skin is not easily noticed because it originates from below the visible layers of our skin known as the epidermis. This dryness can lead to a weakness in the skin’s integrity, causing small cracks and fissures to develop…and that becomes the “spark” that ignites the “fire”.
Early detection of this small nerve fiber abnormality is the key to preventing devastating foot complications. At New Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute, our foot specialists use innovative technologies that are 100% non-invasive and painless to quickly detect the skin moisture index (SMI) and small nerve fiber health of our patients with diabetes. Being part of your diabetic foot exam during each visit, abnormalities can quickly be addressed and problems prevented.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! At New Jersey Foot & Ankle Institute, we are committed to help you stay healthy and on your feet. Call us for an appointment at 973-927-2525. We accept Medicare and most major insurances.
