ethesda, MD - Do you remember the last time your doctor examined your feet? According to an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) online survey, 73 percent of over 600 people surveyed said their feet are not inspected routinely at doctor's visits. Since the feet often show the first signs and symptoms of diabetes, patients are missing opportunities to detect the disease early and to avoid complications. In an effort to decrease the number of lower-limb amputations occurring in the U.S., APMA has launched its "Knock Your Socks Off" campaign to encourage patients to ask their doctor to examine their feet as part of their regular checkup.
"Diabetes has a life threatening impact and unfortunately more than 5 million people in the U.S. have the disease and don't even know it," said APMA President Harold Glickman, DPM. "Checking the feet for common symptoms of diabetes can help people at risk prevent serious complications."
With diabetic foot problems leading to the highest percentage of non-traumatic, lower-limb amputations, APMA suggests checking your feet for these diabetes warning signs:
- Redness
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Cold to the touch due to a lack of blood circulation
- Inflammation
- Loss of hair
Early detection is key to reducing amputation rates and improving the quality of life for people with diabetes.
For more information about APMA's "Knock Your Socks Off" campaign or to request a media kit, call 301.581.9227.
Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association represents the nation's premier foot and ankle physicians. The Association has component societies in 53 locations in the U.S. and its territories and a membership of more than 12,500 doctors of podiatric medicine. For free foot health information, contact APMA at 1-800-FOOTCARE (1-800-366-8227) or visit www.apma.org on the Web.
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