Shoes, orthoses, and prostheses for partial foot amputation and diabetic foot infection.

Amputations in patients with diabetes, while often preventable, are unfortunately a far too common outcome. The roles of the certified or licensed pedorthist, certified orthotist, and the certified prosthetist should not be undervalued in the prevention of diabetic foot complications (eg, amputations, revisions, and foot infections secondary to skin ulcerations) and in returning the patient a normal, active, and productive lifestyle in the event of an amputation. This article highlights the roles these specialists play in treating patients with partial foot amputation.

Pedorthic and orthotic management of the diabetic foot.

Research as well as clinical experience has shown that pedorthic and orthotic modalities can be valuable tools in the care of the diabetic foot. The team approach is probably more beneficial to the successful treatment of the diabetic foot than nearly any other problem the physician encounters. Understanding pedorthic and orthotic principles and how to include and use the appropriate clinicians on the team can simplify the patient care process while decreasing complications such as ulcerations and amputations.