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There are approximately 70,000 cases of amputations that take place each year in United States alone, and it is estimated that half of these cases are among those that are suffering from diabetes. The numbers are going up even though there is a procedure that exists which can bring more blood to the feet thus preventing many amputations.

Foot ulcers more likely precede amputation. However, if you have diabetes and have developed ulcers of the foot, there is still a good chance for you to keep your foot and not have to get it amputated.  With proper medical care and a regular health maintenance program, you’ll be able to avoid this debilitating process. 

Always have routine checkups on your feet and legs

Your health care provider should check your feet on a regular basis, preferably every time you you have an appointment. For every routine medical exam, your doctor should check to see if you are at risk of developing foot ulcers. Your doctor will most likely use a filament (also called a 10 gram monofilament) and press it on certain areas of your foot. Once the filament presses the against the foot, it’s tip creates a pressure of 10 grams that you should be able to feel. 

If you were able to feel the pressure of the filament, you are not at risk of suffering from ulceration. On the other hand, if you had acquired a loss of sensation on those particular areas of your feet, then you are at risk of developing an ulcer or may already have one.

For better convenience, you should be able to take a foot screening test by yourself by obtaining your own filaments. If you are unable to feel the filament, then you need to see your health care provider so he or she can do a more thorough evaluation and determine the treatment to use.

7 ways to easily take care of your feet

There are three ways to develop foot ulcers: continuous moderate pressure of the feet, sudden hard pressure, and continual pressure. Below are seven simple things that you can do to take care of your feet:

1. Examine your feet daily, preferably in front of a mirror.

2. Do not walk barefoot.

3. Always wear comfortable shoes.

4. Wear different shoes every five hours on average.

5. When wearing new shoes, change them about every two hours in the beginning.

6. Do not smoke.  Smoking increases your risk of having an amputation.

7. Avoid using a heating pad on your feet.