Overview
Proper foot care is not something most of us think about until problems literally put us out of step. Yet, foot and ankle problems are among the most common health ailments. Virtually everyone will experience some degree of foot and ankle problems during their lifetime.
Although some problems are inherited, many stem from a lifetime of accumulated abuse and neglect, such as wearing improper footwear or not seeking early medical attention. Specialists at Cleveland Clinic's Foot & Ankle Center treat all conditions that affect the foot and ankle, including diabetic foot problems.
Diabetic Foot Care Program
Cleveland Clinic's Diabetic Foot Care Program was developed to reduce the burden of foot disease in people with diabetes through state-of-the-art evaluation, treatment, education and cutting-edge research. Our podiatrists are leaders in the prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment of diabetic foot problems.
Initial patient screening includes diagnostics such as measuring barefoot plantar pressures, vibration sensation threshold using a neurothesiometer, and ankle-brachial indices. Foot ulcer is one of the most common pathologies treated in the Diabetic Foot Clinic.
Standard treatment includes offloading (total contact cast, cast walker, half-shoe) and comprehensive wound care management, which incorporates newer wound treatment modalities. With aggressive treatment and infection prevention, we have shown that better outcomes in ulcer healing rates for diabetic foot ulcers are possible.
What We Treat
Our staff of orthopaedic surgeons, podiatrists, nurse clinicians, certified pedorthists and technicians deliver state-of-the-art care exclusively for problems of the foot and ankle. All specialists and surgeons at the Foot & Ankle Center have extensive training in the diagnosis and surgical and nonsurgical care of a wide range of foot and ankle problems, including:
