Volume 20 | issue nº 4 2019

Diabetic Foot 101

By Kaissar (Cesar) Yammine, MD, MPH, PHD

More in this issue

A definitive guide to warning signs, tips for prevention and what to do, courtesy of the Diabetic Foot Clinic at LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital.

The diabetic foot syndrome is a set of complications – mainly ulcers, infections and deformities – due to the chronic effect of high levels of glucose on the nerves and small vessels of the foot. Foot complications can occur in 25 percent of patients with diabetes, and even when mild, could lead to amputation. Regular check-ups and early detection can minimize these later-stage complications and significantly reduce the rate of amputations.

Signs of Diabetic Foot Neuropathy

Signs of Diabetic Foot Infection

Signs of diabetic foot ischemia (reduced blood flow)

Diabetic Foot Prevention

Caring for your feet:

Caring for your toenails:

What to avoid:

Tips for choosing footwear:

Diabetic Foot Medical Prevention and Management

Treatment modalities are not at-home remedies. The orthopedic foot surgeon is the expert on preventing, detecting and treating the diabetic foot.

While knowledgeable and well-informed patients may be able to reduce any complications, it is strongly advisable to regularly screen for detecting ulcers, infections, and neuropathy – including co-existing peripheral artery disease.

In case of detection, treatment entails debridement (medical removal of damaged tissue), targeted topical agents and/or surgery.

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Dr. Kaissar (Cesar) Yammine is Head of the Diabetic Foot Clinic at LAU Medical Center-RH and a Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine. He has over 20 years’ experience in treating foot and hand conditions, with a subspecialty in diabetic foot surgery.