Jeffrey A. Oster, DPM

Adult Reconstructive Foot And Ankle Surgery

Diplomat Of The American Board Of Podiatric Surgery
Fellow Of The American College Of Foot And Ankle Surgeons

Newark office - 1179 Cherry Valley Road, Newark, Ohio (740-344-2984)
Chillicothe office - 4457 State Route 159, Chillicothe, Ohio  45601 (740-775-7771)

Diabetic Foot Care

The incidence of type 2 diabetes is growing at an alarming rate.  Numerous studies have found that the increase in type 2 diabetes is the result of a combination of factors to include diet, obesity and the aging of America.  The damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels has the greatest impact on portions of the body supplied by small blood vessels.  Three areas of the body seem to be most effected.  These three areas include the eyes (retina), kidneys and the feet.   As a result, foot care has become a very important aspect of diabetes care. 

The role of a podiatrist in treating diabetes includes both education and treatment.  Diabetic education is a very important part of the care we provide in our office.  Diabetes education helps to reassure patients that they are doing the best job possible to prevent future problems.

Treatment of diabetes includes:

Wound care 

Outpatient care -
Ulcer debridement, off loading of pressure ulcers, oral and IV antibiotic therapy, negative wound pressure management

In-patient/hospital care -
Surgical debridement of ulcerations and bone infections, IV antibiotic management

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)

Outpatient care -
Medical management of painful DPN
Prevention of small fiber nerve loss due to DPN

Ambulatory surgical care -
External neurolysis for painful DPN
Charcot joint reconstruction