How can I save my feet and legs from amputation? Relief and Prevention written by Dr. Craig McManama. A sample excerpt from the booklet:

What a good podiatrist or orthopedic foot surgeon can do for you:

"Your foot specialist can do a thorough evaluation of your nerve function and your circulation. He or she can also check for structural foot problems which could lead to increased chance of ulceration, infection, and amputation later in life. This brings us to another important recommendation, which is your foot doctor can recommend conservative treatment measures, and give you good prevention information. When needed, a well-trained foot surgeon can correct potentially serious problems for you.

In many cases, it is wise to have foot problems corrected early if you have diabetes. Problems which are simple to correct when treated early, can become limb or life threatening if neglected.

To illustrate the above points, I will share an experience from my practice. An elderly gentleman came into my office with a severe infection, which had started from an open sore on his little toe. It was obvious that this infection was now spreading into his foot and leg.

As I examined his foot, I found that he had no pulses in his foot or lower leg. There was nothing I could do for this gentleman. I had to refer him to a vascular surgeon for an amputation. The tragedy was that his problem was caused by a simple corn on his toe. This problem could have been easily corrected earlier in life when his circulation was good.

One more thing, he did not have his other leg. I asked him what had happened to his other leg, and he told me that he had an ingrown toenail, which had become infected and led to amputation of foot and lower leg.

Both of these problems could have been corrected with relatively minor office procedures, if he had received care soon enough.

What to do if you have advanced diabetes, neuropathy, and/or circulatory problems.

Do not despair. Most patients can still be helped and most extremities can be saved. However, you must take responsibility for your health and do all that you can do to keep your feet and legs intact. Also, it is extremely important that you follow the advice and treatment plans of competent physicians and podiatrists. There is no doubt in my mind that patients who are compliant with their doctors' instructions do much better than those who do not follow their doctors' directions. For those of you who do not have a podiatrist or who would like another opinion, we would like to help. Let us know when you are going to be in the Salt Lake City area. We can also advise you on travel arrangements and accommodations close to our office. Our office phone number is: 801-966-3556."

Send $19.95 check or money order to:

West Valley Foot & Ankle Center
3540 South 400 West Suite 480
West Valley City, UT 84120
drcraig@westvalleyfootandmedical.com