May 8, 2013 3 min read

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

Notice: Trying to get property 'term_id' of non-object in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 412

When it comes to scheduling that annual check-up with the doctor, many people tend to drag their feet. So it’s no surprise that of all the body parts to keep in check, feet are usually low on the list of health concerns.

Healthy feet are the theme of a three-part lecture series being held at the Washington Health System Outpatient Center in Cecil. Nicholas Lowery will be one of three doctors presenting on the topic of diabetic feet at 5:30 p.m. May 21.

“People that tend to have problems with their feet tend to be people with diabetes,” said Lowery, a podiatrist at Washington Hospital.

One of these complications is peripheral arterial disease, or poor circulation that can lead to pain or cramping in the muscles of the feet and calves.

“They might say they can walk two blocks, but then their calves cramp,” Lowery said.

Severe cases include intense pain, sores that do not heal and even amputation.

Another complication is peripheral neuropathy, which is nerve damage that can cause a tingling or burning sensation, or numbness. Those who develop peripheral neuropathy may lose feeling in their feet, so ulcers and sores could easily be overlooked.

“They don’t feel pain, and pain is your signal that something is wrong with the foot, something is rubbing or maybe you stepped on a tack or a rock. That blister becomes worse and becomes an ulcer,” Lowery said.

“It’s kind of a cycle that we try to prevent by education and periodic care so that they don’t incur these problems in the first place.” Lowery recommends that individuals with diabetes check their feet for swelling and sores on a daily basis. People with complicated diabetes may qualify to see a podiatrist every couple of months for a foot exam.

A handful of similar lectures have been offered in the past at the Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center. The first lecture of this series focused on ankle pains and sprains, which are common and usually benign, according to Lowery.

Acute ankle sprains normally take between four and six weeks to heel, with the help of a brace and physical therapy treatment.

The second lecture, held last month, focused on the complications of bunions and hammertoes. Lowery said these conditions are usually genetic and can cause pain and muscular imbalance.

Treatment options for bunions include wearing padded shoes or realigning the bones, depending on the level of severity. Straightening the toe joints can alleviate hammertoes.

This lecture series combines tips for both prevention and treatment, but the overall emphasis is education.

“Things do happen, and that’s why we’re here. We wanted to educate people on how to prevent (these afflictions),” Lowery said.

To register for the seminar on the diabetic foot, call Washington Health System Orthopedics and Neurosciences at 724-250-2824.