Contact: Karyn Lamborn, 800-235-4855
AOFAS offers free foot screenings for patients with diabetes
In recognition of American Diabetes Month, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) will sponsor a series of free diabetic foot screenings Nov. 8-14 at locations throughout the country. The week-long program is designed to educate individuals with diabetes about the importance of following a daily foot care regimen, and to identify diabetic patients who are at risk of developing serious foot problems.
The AOFAS organized the screenings as a result of its recent diabetic foot survey, which found that a low percentage of diabetic patients wear protective shoes that would significantly reduce their risk of problems that could lead to amputation. Individuals with diabetes are prone to developing foot ulcers and infections due to a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which causes a loss of sensation in the feet. Diabetes sufferers account for more than half of the 67,000 foot amputations performed each year in the United States.
Patients who attend the screenings will receive information about the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill, which subsidizes the cost of therapeutic shoes and shoe inserts for patients with diabetes.
To find out where screenings will take place in your community and learn more about the program, visit the AOFAS Web site at www.aofas.org, or call 888-204-2373.
The AOFAS is an organization of M.D.s who specialize in foot and ankle care.
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