According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “Lower extremity amputations are a tremendous source of illness, disability, and death for Americans living with diabetes. One of the most common sites for these problems to develop is at the tips of the toes. The digits are susceptible to changes in their positioning over the years, becoming angled up…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “A rash of foot injuries have occurred over the last few years to several high profile athletes. A sizable percentage of them not only missed considerable playing time but some never returned to prior levels of performance. The injury being referenced here occurs frequently in football but can occur to…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, the human foot is also a barometer for overall health. Diabetics are advised to pay close attention to their feet to watch for potential health problems. “With long standing diabetes, if it’s not controlled, you can lose feeling in your foot,” said Dr. Michaels. “It can lead to open sores…

MD Podiatrist   According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “If you’re among the millions of people in the U.S. diagnosed with diabetes, you’ve probably learned about the importance of managing your medications, adapting your diet, and incorporating activity into your lifestyle. But what do you know about foot care? One of the complications of diabetes is…

Correct footwear is essential to one’s diabetes toolkit. “Elevation of sugar levels in the body leads to breakdown of the nerve endings and the blood vessels,” says  Dan Michaels, DPM. This becomes especially prevalent in the feet, since they are the furthest extremity from the heart and spine. Decreased nerve endings means less feeling in…

  The majority of diabetics regularly check their blood sugar to make sure it stays at an acceptable level. However, they also need to check their feet just as often. Diabetes can affect the body in many ways. The longer diabetes is in place, the higher blood sugars can complicate blood flow and sensation, according…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “to establish a correct preventive approach, it is necessary to evaluate the degree of risk that the patient with diabetes has of developing a foot ulcer. It is necessary to know the neurological and vascular status, and the presence of deformities and, in this risk assessment, the podiatrist plays a…

  “Some scientists believe that by damaging nerves and blood vessels, brain function is reduced. This can lead to problems with memory and learning, mood shifts, weight gain, hormonal changes. Over time, even more serious problems may develop (e.g. Alzheimer’s). High blood glucose levels seem able to alter the brain’s billions of connections, essential in…

According to Dan Michaels, DPM, “A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that occurs in about one quarter of patients with diabetes. They are commonly located on the bottom of the foot. These ulcers increase admission to the hospital and amputations, with about a quarter being admitted to the hospital and a…

According to podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM, what’s happening in the body when someone gets a toe cramp depends on the exact cause. That’s why it’s so important to determine the root issue. One super common reason for toe cramps according to Dr. Michaels is dehydration. Simply put, not drinking enough water prevents muscles from functioning…