Hip Osteonecrosis

Diabetes is often associated with foot problems. Diabetes prevents the body from producing enough insulin, or the body does not use insulin like it should. Because of this glucose, or sugar, is not absorbed into the body’s cells and instead remains in the bloodstream. When diabetes is not properly managed, it can lead to other medical conditions including nerve damage and poor blood circulation. This means the risk for diabetic foot disease is very high. Diabetic foot disease includes risk of infection, ulcers, deformities, injuries, and limited mobility.

Preventative care including at-home and medical evaluation of the feet has shown to significantly manage risk. If the below symptoms sound familiar to you, contact our foot and ankle specialists to schedule an evaluation.

Symptoms

Changes in skin color or temperature.
Swelling or pain in the feet, ankles, or legs
Foot ulcers or open sores on the feet that may be draining
Ingrown toenails or toenail fungus
Dry, cracked heels; corns; or calluses
Unusual or persistent foot odor

Causes

Diabetic neuropathy – a nerve damage in the feet that affects feeling and sensation
Peripheral vascular disease – a condition affecting blood flow inhibiting the body’s ability to heal simple sores or cuts quickly
Foot ulcers or sores
Foot deformities such as hammertoe, claw toe, or Charcot foot

Risk Factors

Uncontrolled or inconsistent management of diabetes
Excessive weight
Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking

Diagnosis

Clinical evaluation by a foot and ankle specialist
X-rays or bone scans to evaluate bone health
MRI or CT scans to evaluate muscle and soft tissue health
Sensation testing

Treatment Options

Consistently following a nutrition, exercise, and medication plan designed to manage diabetes
Daily self-evaluation of the condition and appearance of your feet to help with early detection of sores, injuries, or irregularities
Use of orthotic shoe inserts to alleviate bone related conditions
Immobilization of feet affected by deformities, such as hammertoe; claw toe; Charcot foot, using a walking boot or cast
Modification of activity levels if trauma occurs to avoid repetitive trauma
Surgical treatment may be recommended to repair severe deformities or ulcers

Hip Osteonecrosis Specialties

The office staff were very helpful while you were there for your appointment. I have been a patient of OAL for over 40 years and that speaks for itself.
The OAL staff is always friendly and polite. Your diagnosis and treatment are explained in great in detail, so you truly understand what is going on. They also go above and beyond with insurance to get things preapproved, I would never go to another place.
I was amazed at the speed in which my daughter was seen by a doctor at urgent care. I just assumed it would be at least a 30 minute wait. Instead, we were in and out in 30 minutes!
All staff were very friendly and professional. Dr. Hyatt was thorough, did not rush through the appointment and answered all of our questions.
Excellent experience!! I really feel like I am in great hands!! Thank you!!