Feet are something many take for granted – they get us where we want to go without much maintenance. But for those with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, proper foot care is very important in preventing infections that may lead to amputation.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 54,000 diabetic patients a year have an amputation. Most of those amputations are the result of minor injuries that were left untreated and allowed to develop into ulcers. That means that as many as 85 percent of those amputations could have been prevented.

In diabetics, the high glucose levels in the blood stream cause nerve damage and poor circulation, especially to the extremities. Poor circulation also results in a lower white blood cell count which makes it harder for the body to fight infections. Minor sores from blisters or nicks from trimming toenails can lead to serious foot ulcers that can be difficult to treat.

CLINICS THROUGHOUT THE REGION

Bobi Nixdorf, R.N., staffs the newly established St. John’s Foot and Wound Clinics at St. John’s Hospital - Aurora and St. John’s Hospital - Cassville. St. John’s also has foot clinics in Springfield, Mountain View, St. Robert, Lebanon and Berryville, Ark.

The majority of Nixdorf’s patients are elderly, but diabetes can go undiagnosed for years. Nixdorf suggests scheduling an appointment at a foot clinic as soon as you’re diagnosed with diabetes. A physician referral is required and the service is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many insurance plans.
“As soon as you’re diagnosed with diabetes, you should begin professional foot care,” Nixdorf says. “Typically people have had diabetes for quite some time before being diagnosed, so there can already be some significant peripheral vascular changes.”

“TOUCHSTONE MOMENTS”

The first time a patient visits one of the foot clinics, their peripheral vascular status is checked. Their primary care physician gets a copy of those results.
According to Rhonda Holden, BSN, director of nursing for St. John’s Hospital - Aurora, those visits to the foot clinics can also facilitate “touchstone moments” between staff and patients.
“We can refer them to any type of service they may not be getting, whether they need an eye exam for diabetic retinopathy or maybe they are struggling with their insulin regiment. We take that opportunity to can get them in with a diabetic educator, a dietitian or whatever service they need,” Holden says.

OTHER FOOT CARE SERVICES

St. John’s Physical Therapy at St. John’s Clinic – Smith-Glynn-Callaway at 3231 S. National is now offering the Anodyne Therapy system to treat peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage resulting from poor blood flow that causes numbness and pain) in the feet, legs and hands. Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes but may also be caused by circulatory problems, medications and chemotherapy.

Anodyne Therapy emits infrared photo energy to increase circulation and temporarily reduce pain. Most patients say that the therapy feels warm and soothing. Others say they feel some tingling and pulsing, which is normal as blood flow returns to the area.

“We also use the Anodyne system for wound care because it promotes healing in the affected area,” says Mark Coalson, St. John’s Physical Therapy Services assistant director.

St. John’s Physical Therapy requires a physician referral to treat patients with the Anodyne system. Call 417-841-0186 for more information.

ST. JOHN'S FOOT CLINICS

AURORA
St. John’s Hospital - Aurora
500 Porter Ave.
417-678-7844

BERRYVILLE, ARK.
St. John’s Hospital - Berryville
214 Carter St.
870-423-3355

CASSVILLE
St. John’s Hospital - Cassville
94 Main
417-847-6000

MOUNTAIN VIEW
St. John’s St. Francis Hospital, Mountain View
100 W. Highway 60
417-934-7000

LEBANON
St. John’s Foot Clinic - Lebanon
331 Hospital Drive, Suite B
417-533-6385

SPRINGFIELD
St. John’s Hammons Heart Institute
1235 E. Cherokee
417-820-3668

ST. ROBERT
St. John’s Clinic - St. Robert
608 Business Route 66
417-533-6385