NorthPointe News November 2017 Volume 8 Issue 11

NorthPointe Foot & Ankle 27901 Woodward Ave.

Suite 110 Berkley, MI 48072

(248) 545-0100 MichiganFootCare.com

Lee Hoffman, DPM Brian Kissel, DPM

Charles Kissel, DPM Michael Schey, DPM David Ungar, DPM

Marc Weitzman, DPM

MEET THE TEAM Nicci Sandifer

NorthPointe Foot & Ankle is pleased to welcome Nicci Sandifer to the team as an insurance specialist and medical assistant.

NIcci joins the team with over seven years of podiatry office experience. She earned her Medical Office Administration certificate from Kaplan University and is studying social work at Wayne State Universi-ty.

As an insurance specialist, NIcci will help verify insurance coverage and answer patient questions. She will also perform duties as a medical assistant when needed.

When not in the office, Nicci enjoys shopping - especially for shoes and purses - eating out and traveling.

Receive our monthly newsletter. Send your email address to:

Doctors@NorthPointeFoot.com

DIABETES AND YOUR FEET Healthy feet are essential for overall good

health, no matter your age, fitness level, or

physical challenges. For people with

diabetes, however, taking care of their feet is

especially vital. More than 60 percent of all

non-traumatic lower-limb amputations world-

wide are related to complications from the

disease, according to the American Diabetes

Association.

A 2012 study by the American Podiatric Medi-

cal Association (APMA) indicates Hispanics

with diabetes are particularly in danger,

because more than 90 percent of those with

the disease or at risk for it have never seen a

podiatrist as part of their health care.

The leading cause of hospitalization among

people with diabetes—regardless of

ethnicity—is foot ulcers and infections, but

most of those problems are largely preventa-

ble. It’s important for those with the disease to

receive regular foot exams by a podiatrist.

While ulcers—open sores on the foot—are

the most common diabetes-related foot prob-

lem, several others are also serious and

prevalent, including neuropathy, skin

changes, calluses, poor circulation, and

infection. The nerve damage that diabetes

causes may mean a person with an ulcer or

injury may be unaware of it until it becomes

infected. Infection can lead to partial or full

amputation of the foot

or lower leg. Regular

care from a podiatrist

can reduce amputa-

tion rates up to 80

percent, according to

the APMA.

People with diabetes

need to inspect their feet daily and be vigilant

for warning signs of ulcers, including irritation,

redness, cracked or dry skin (especially around

the heels), or drainage on their socks.

Although ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot

or ankle, they are typically found on pressure

points on the foot, like the ball of the foot or

bottom of the big toe. If an ulcer is discovered,

or other symptoms, a podiatrist should be seen

immediately. In many cases, the foot can be

saved with early treatment.

In addition to examining feet every day, and

keeping blood glucose

in the target range,

NorthPointe Foot &

Ankle podiatrists advise

following these foot

health tips:

Discuss diabetes

and the risks with

family members.

Diabetes can be hereditary, so talk to

family members about monitoring blood

sugar and foot health.

Never go barefoot. Always protect feet with

the proper footwear and make sure socks

and shoes are comfortable and fit well.

Trim toenails straight across, and never cut

the cuticles. Seek immediate treatment for

ingrown toenails, as they can lead to

serious infection.

Keep feet elevated while sitting.

Wiggle toes and move feet and ankles up

and down for five-minute sessions through-

out the day.

Schedule a Comprehensive Diabetic

Foot Exam. This simple, painless

examination helps diagnose the onset of

diabetes and foot related problems due to

the disease.

High Heel Stress Self Foot Exam Rotary Club of Berkley’s Annual Pancake

Breakfast

Our own Dr. Hoffman will be serving up pancakes at a breakfast that sup-ports local programs. All you can eat. Tickets available at the NorthPointe Office: adults $8; 13 and under $4.

Saturday, November 11 7:30 am—12:30 pm

First United Methodist Church 2820 Twelve Mile, Berkley

Warm up Your Neighbors!

NorthPointe Foot & Ankle is joining the Berkley Senior Center in collecting new gloves, hats, scarves and socks for all ages. The gifts will be distributed to those less fortunate in the community before Christmas.

Collection of New Items November 13—December 8

NorthPointe Foot & Ankle Office or Berkley Senior Center

Follow these simple steps to perform your daily foot exam:

Check for loss of sensation in the feet, called neuropathy.

Examine skin for calluses, blisters, sores, excessively dry or

cracked skin, or any other unusual conditions, especially between

the toes.

Look for signs of decreased circulation such as thin, fragile, shiny

skin with loss of hair.

Check the feet for extreme temperatures (excessive warmth or coldness).

Inspect nails for thickening, ingrown corners, excessive length, and fungal infection.

Inspect socks, tights, and/or pantyhose for blood or any discharge.

Examine footwear for torn linings, foreign objects like rocks or small pebbles, im-

proper fit, and irritating seams.

REMEMBER: If you have trouble reaching your feet to complete your daily foot exam, prop up a mirror on the floor or ask a friend or family member for help.

Make sure you are also checking for signs of both venous and arterial ulcers, a common sign of vascular disease that presents as a sore or wound. Here is what to look for on your daily foot exam:

Common signs of a venous ulcer:

Shallow or superficial appearance

Irregular shape small to large

Brownish in appearance

Skin tends to be thick

Painful, usually related to edema, or swelling You’ll most likely find a venous ulcer on the lower leg and ankle.

Common signs of an arterial ulcer:

Raised/punched-out appearance

Smooth wound edges

Cool to the touch

Skin is pale, shiny, taut, and thin

Minimal to no hair growth on the limbs

Painful, especially at night You’ll most likely find an arterial ulcer on the side of the foot, but one can occur anywhere on the lower leg or foot.

Thank you for joining us for our Fall Family Fun Day and for your generous donations to Berkley/Huntington Woods Youth Assistance.