In May of last year, the Podiatry Clinic relocated from Hamad General
Hospital (HGH) to its new facility at the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC).
Since relocating, the clinic has continued to receive around one hundred
patients each day, providing essential care to patients with foot and
lower limb injuries and disorders.
Dr. Talal Khader Talal, a
Podiatric Consultant and Head of Podiatric Services at Hamad Medical
Corporation (HMC), said the clinic treats patients of all ages with
various diseases of the foot and leg, ranging from congenital defects to
injuries sustained as a result of fractures and accidents. He says
around 80 percent of patients seen at the clinic are diabetic and
seeking specialized diabetic foot and wound care services.
“Between
May and September 2017, we received around 6,400 patients at a rate of
80 to 100 patients each day. Most of our patients have diabetes and were
treated for peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage caused by the
disease. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is different from peripheral
arterial disease (poor circulation), which affects the blood vessels
rather than the nerves. Diabetes often causes poor blood circulation
because high levels of sugar in the blood can lead to hardening of the
arteries,” said Dr. Talal.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy doesn't
emerge overnight. It usually develops slowly and worsens over time.
Some patients have the condition for a long time before they are
diagnosed with diabetes, and having diabetes for several years may
increase one’s likelihood of developing diabetic neuropathy. The
condition can cause a tingling, burning, or numbness in one’s feet, as
well as the loss of sensation. Dr. Talal says neuropathy is dangerous,
particularly if left untreated, as the loss of sensation can lead to
injuries, wounds, and sores going unnoticed and untreated.
Regular
foot exams are an effective way to screen for ulcers, the development
of abnormalities, and the loss of sensation. Dr. Talal recommends annual
checkups with a podiatrist and daily self-examinations.
“Inspecting
your feet every day, and seeking care early if you do sustain a foot
injury, is essential for good diabetes management. If you have diabetes,
make sure your healthcare team checks your feet at least once a year –
more often if you have a history of foot problems. At the Podiatry
Clinic, we advise our patients to check their feet daily for cuts,
sores, red spots, swelling, or infected toenails. If patients are unable
to see the bottom of their feet, we advise them to use a mirror, or to
have a family member complete the checkup,” says Dr. Talal.
In
addition to examining bare feet daily, Dr. Talal says being physically
active, avoiding smoking, and not crossing one’s legs for long periods
of time is recommended. Diabetics are also advised to wear protective
shoes that are comfortable and cover the whole foot. Heels and sandals
should be avoided since they expose the foot and don’t provide a level
platform, making one more susceptible to injury.
