[Subby]

I've had it recommended to me a couple of times to see a podiatrist on some kind of regular basis, just as "general advice". I think from an endo or two in the past, and certainly word of mouth from various directions. I can see the argument to get feet checked for sure, considering how nasty complications can start there, how feeling can be compromised, and the poor feet are often neglected.

However I never worked out whether it is really worth my while getting off my backside and going to see a podiatrist at least once, and perhaps on something like a yearly basis.

I don't think I have problems with my feet. They can have "transient" neuropathy effects, now and then, like a lack of feeling that clears up with better control. Actually, not since the pump. I generally check them at least once a week. Maybe even a small foot massage. Endos may check them sporadically. I see endos sporadically up to now. So that is not much of a replacement plan to proper checkups.

What is your experience? If you go to a podiatrist, is it some kind of regular check up thing, or just if you are having feet problems?

In my mind this is for insulin dependents, just trying to fit into the common practices for the type 1 or 1.5 medical checkup scenario that I'm familiar with. Type 2s or others, please do comment on your experiences.

[art]

When I was first DX'd my Doc told me to go see the "foot guy".
Went once. What a waste of time.

He seemed more concerned that I was a diabetic and covered by insurance than how I was.
Asked me who cut my toe nails. I told him I did, he said I was doing a great job.
Nice chair though..


oops, guess I shouldn't have answered. I'm a T-2


Art

[Subby]

Thanks Art, your experience is useful. No problem being T2. Just not sure on how the scenario of "checkups" matches up between the types. It my not be a big issue.

[fgummett]

Every 6 months when I see my Endo, as soon as I enter his office I take off my shoes and socks

Make sure your Doctor regularly checks your feet... circulation, nerves and skin integrity.

I also take care of my feet with daily -- visual and manual -- checks of the soles, keeping them clean and dry... good shoes (get them measured at the shoe store), good socks, and making sure there are no stones etc... in the shoes.

My feet are fine and I am able to keep my nails trimmed myself BUT if I did have any issues or was not able to safely trim my own nails I would go to an expert.

[gettingby]

I had to choose the last answer in the poll. I do know what a podiatrist is but my endo nor any other doc I have seen has suggested seeing one.

My endo checks my feet and my circulation every 6 months. I don't feel any need to see one unless a problem arises and if one does, you can bet I will get a referral immediately.

[Subby]

Originally Posted by gettingby

I had to choose the last answer in the poll. I do know what a podiatrist is but my endo nor any other doc I have seen has suggested seeing one.

My endo checks my feet and my circulation every 6 months. I don't feel any need to see one unless a problem arises and if one does, you can bet I will get a referral immediately.

Thanks Cin. My apologies for the wording, that's my dry sense of humour overriding a sensible answer.

People please consider the last option to be:

- No. I and/or my doc feel no need. /What was a podiatrist again?

May have been better to have a separate one, but oh well. It's all just for a rough idea anyway, the comments are much appreciated.

[Funnygrl]

Nope, I've never seen one, nor has it been recommended that I do.

[jenb]

Like Cin and Funnygrl - no need, no recommendation. Would go, though, if a problem arose.

Jen

[Penny]

I ask my doctor to look at my feet and he always says "We can set you up with a "foot guy". He does check for swelling and my pulse and sent me for the neuropathy tests. I am having a terrible time with ingrown toenails and really need to do something. Also, my feet don't look "right", they are discolored and "speckled". I am just putting it off because we have to pay all office calls and those guys charge a fortune. If I can stand it, I will try to go after we get caught up on all of Hubby's hospital and surgery bills. In the meantime, Pat does my pedicure, and it helps some.

[Kathlyn]

Penny, You REALLY do need to see a podiatrist NOW. An ingrown toenail can become easily infected and then there's more medical costs. I've been there. The podiatrist used a local anesthetic and cut out a small section of the root of my toenail so it will never grow back. My toenail looks slimmer, but that's OK because I've never had the problem again.

I do know this from experience. A podiatrist is limited to only certain foot procedures. If your problem is bigger than a broken toe, callous, toenails, hammertoe, bunion, see an orthopedic foot specialist. And become an armchair authority on diabetic foot problems and pheripheral neuropathy. Be aware of diabetic Charcot's Foot. You do not want to lose a foot due to negligence. See a podiatrist at least once a year.

[Marcia K in Fl]

Charcot foot? What is that? Please do tell.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by Subby

- No. I and/or my doc feel no need. /What was a podiatrist again?

No for me.
But, you would figure that, I presume already - eh, Subby?
I don't have the resources to be limping to the doctor for whatever/whenever. (I have insurance, but scrimp nonetheless.)
I feel I am in good company, as probably over 90% of the population of the world throughout history has never had doctors nor medical care that is so very allopathic as the profession is these days. Of course, if there was something other than allopathy for managing diabetes - I would be there... although, I have been using the allopathy way for so long, I presume I am over-the-hill. One of these days I gotta start digging that 6 foot deep hole ...

[fgummett]

Originally Posted by Marcia K in Fl

Charcot foot? What is that? Please do tell.

We take for granted an exquisitely sensitive set of bio-feedback mechanisms that allow us to know where -- for example -- our feet are without even looking down. This mechanism is called proprioception... it is what allows you to walk quietly with your feet barely touching the ground, or to touch your nose with the tip of your finger while your eyes are closed (try it), or to hold an egg tightly without crushing it. If this system starts to fail (as in Diabetic Neuropathy) the tendency becomes to slam the foot down ever harder to elicit the same feedback... as you can imagine, over time this constant slamming will further damage the foot and ankle.

[Kathlyn]

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Charcot's Foot (Charcot's arthropathy or neuroarthropathy)

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Charcots neuroarthropathy

Marcia,

Charcot's foot is a complication of diabetes that almost always occurs in those with neuropathy (nerve damage). When neuropathy is present, the bones in the foot become weakened and can fracture easily, even without there being any major trauma. As the neuropathy is present, the pain goes unnoticed and the person continues to walk on it. This can lead to severe deformities of the foot. As this can be very disabling, early diagnosis and treatment is vitally important.

Penny, I was just re-reading your post. What were the results of your neuropathy test? It sounds like you may have some symptoms of PAD, Peripheral Arterial disease. You might consider applying the pedicure $ toward the podiatrist.

[AngelKitty]

Hi Subby,
I can't believe you haven't been to see a Podiatrist yet!!!!
This is so important.
I went for my first appointment last month, appointment lasted for more than 45minutes and I was most impressed with the range of tests conducted (they even used a doppler to gauge blood flow / circulation) and record all test results for comparison with next consult. Podiatrist advised that it is extremely important to check Diabetic's feet at least annually (if you don't have problems) as neuropathy often attacks toes and feet first.
Please make an appointment and go and see one - you owe it to yourself (and your toesies and feet) Just part of our on-going maintenance as diabetics