Originally published March 4 2005
Diabetic foot ulcers approaching 'epidemic' status among Hispanic community
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Diabetes, and its accompanying foot ulcers, are common enough among Hispanics that officials are using the word "epidemic" to describe them. They say the afflictions are especially high among poor populations where health care insurance is often lacking. In hopes of tackling this problem, officials in New Jersey have begun offering free screenings at clinics and doctors' offices. Officials hope to help catch more ulcers early before amputation is required.
If left untreated, infections can set in the bones and a patient's circulation, which could result in gangrene and possible amputation.
One of the largest growing health problems for Hispanics in the urban community is diabetes, and little or no health insurance for these working class families limits the ability for frequent medical check- ups and regular doctor visits.
Due to the high cost of medical care, a significant amount of the populace does not frequent the doctors offices because they don't feel sick.
However, making those annual visits could mean the difference between a minor procedure and major surgery, which in the case of diabetic foot ulcers can result in amputations.
In the worst case scenarios, if the foot ulcers are not treated in time, the wound can expose the bone to infection, which in turn can infect circulation.
Diabetics are prone to foot ulcerations, which are open wounds that form on the feet due to neurological and vascular complications.
The altered or complete loss of sensation in the foot and leg can be caused by what is known as peripheral neuropathy, which is when there is damage to the peripheral nerves that transmit information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body.
People with normal sensation can tell when there is too much pressure being put on an area of the foot, but patients with advanced neuropathy lose that ability.
This could lead to micro-fractures in the bones of the foot, which, if untreated, can result in disfigurement, chronic swelling and additional protrusions.
The Palisades Medical Center in Edgewater, where Leal has conducted some of these surgeries, offers screenings at the hospital free of charge.
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