By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.
Patients with diabetes do not examine their feet as routinely as they should and consequently develop foot ulcers, infections and ultimately amputation results. On examining the feet of a patient with diabetes, aside from sensory testing, one should observe for ulcers primarily on the base of the toes and balls of the feet. Observe also for muscular atrophy, which is often associated with nerve damage (neuropathy), resulting in loss of protective sensation and poor motor functioning, leaving the patient vulnerable to injury and deformities of the toes and feet.
