Dr. Dana Lavian and Dr. Leslie G. Levy are members of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons with offices in Valencia and Northridge. They remind residents with diabetes that following simple foot care tips can reduce their risk of toe, foot or leg amputations.
People with diabetes are 10 times more likely to have a lower limb amputated than people without diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Lavian and Dr. Levy say the disease can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage in the feet, making them vulnerable to developing ulcers, infections, deformities and brittle bones.
The ACFAS consumer website FootPhysicians.com provides these foot care tips for people with diabetes:
• Inspect feet daily for injuries that could lead to
dangerous ulcers.
• Gently wash feet in lukewarm (not hot) water.
• Moisturize feet, avoiding the area between the toes.
• Never trim corns or calluses; this can lead to serious infections.
• Inspect the inside of shoes before wearing.
People with diabetes must always be vigilant, say Dr. Lavian and Dr. Levy, and see a foot and ankle surgeon at the first sign of trouble. Early treatment can keep diabetic foot problems from progressing, and reduce the risk of amputations.
For more information, contact the office of Dana Lavian, D.P.M. and Leslie G. Levy, D.P.M. at 661-254-0795. Leslie G. Levy, D.P.M. and Dana Lavian, D.P.M. are board certified in foot and ankle surgery and earned their podiatric medical degree from Podiatric Medical School. They both have been practicing in Valencia for 20 years.