What is At Risk Foot Care?
At Risk Foot Care is a part of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery dedicated to the prevention of life threatening complications associated with Peripheral Artery Disease, Diabetes, and other systemic diseases. The human foot has a complex interrelation with the rest of the body, which means that it may be the first area to show signs of serious conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease; Here at San Mateo Podiatry Group, we call it At Risk Foot Care.
Why is At Risk Foot Care Important?
- Patients don’t know, or haven’t been told that they have a systemic disease, such as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) or Diabetes Mellitus (DM).
- Patients with these conditions don’t know that they are at risk for life and limb threatening complications, such as infections, wounds, and amputations.
The Statistics Are Literally Staggering
- Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease or Diabetes with an infected ulcer, within one year, one in five patients will have had an amputation, another one in five will have died.
- Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease or Diabetes are Twenty to Thirty times more likely to suffer a complication such as an infection or ulcer in the foot or ankle.
- 34% of patients with Diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some time in their lives, 50% of those ulcers will become infected.
- 20% of diabetic foot infections result in amputation.
- After a major amputation, 50% of patients will have their OTHER limb amputated within 2 years.
- The relative 5-year mortality rate after limb amputation is 68%. Almost 70% of patients who have an amputation will die within five years.
- When compared with cancer – it is second only to lung cancer (86%). (Colorectal cancer 39%, Breast cancer 23%, Hodgkin’s disease 18%, Prostate cancer 8%)
- Amputations from Diabetes and PAD kill more people annually than breast cancer and AIDS combined.
Common Systemic Conditions that place patients At Risk
The most common medical conditions that place patients At Risk for foot and ankle problems are Peripheral Artery Disease and Diabetes Mellitus. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), also called Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a condition in which narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the foot, ankle, and leg.
- PAD affects over 10 million people nationwide
- 75% of patients don’t know they have it
- Of patients with PAD, 40% have no symptoms.
Diabetes, also called Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a type of nerve damage that can occur in patients with diabetes.
- Diabetes affects 30 million people nationwide
- 50% of people with diabetes don’t know they have it
- More than 90% of people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy are unaware they have it.
How We’re Different
The doctors and team of San Mateo Podiatry Group work hard to ensure that we keep our patients active, healthy and walking. We are proud to have some of the best outcomes in At Risk Foot Care.
- Same day consultations are generally available
- Most procedures can be completed in the office with little to no discomfort.
- Generally, patients can return to work and recreational sports and exercise immediately.
Our Clients, In Their Own Words
Experience The Difference
The Doctors of San Mateo Podiatry Group are Board Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeons use the latest technology, proven research, and experience to deliver great results for patients. Since 1917, San Mateo Podiatry Group has delivered a tradition of excellence in foot and ankle care; more families choose us for their foot and ankle care than any other practice in the San Francisco Peninsula.
Schedule Today
It’s always easier to prevent a complication; Don’t let a problem turn into a major medical issue. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease, Diabetes, of if you’re concerned that you may be at-risk for a foot and ankle complication, we’re here to help. Reserve online, or Call today!