Division of Podiatry
The Division of Podiatry offers personalized patient care, research programs and a variety of education and training opportunities.
Diabetic Foot & Leg Care
Specialized care for diabetes-related foot conditions
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Compassionate Care for Complex Diabetes-Related Conditions
If you have diabetes, the experts at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) can help you manage diabetes-related foot and leg conditions.
Diabetes increases your risk for poor blood circulation and nerve disease in your extremities. About 15% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer. Proper care can help prevent foot ulcers. If ulcers do develop, timely treatment can prevent problems or amputation.
At the Joslin-Beth Israel Deaconess Foot Center, our team of specialists works with you to help prevent, treat and manage diabetic lower limb problems. The Foot Center is renowned for treating complex diabetic foot conditions using advanced techniques.
Conditions We Treat
We treat these and other diabetes-related foot and leg conditions:
- Charcot joint deformities
- Chronic wounds that won’t heal
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Infections
- Peripheral vascular disease
More About Diabetic Foot & Leg Care
Preventive Care
If you have diabetes, it is important to pay attention to your feet. They can give you clues about your overall health. You should seek care from your diabetes podiatrist if you notice anything unusual. Your primary care provider can also help you manage your diabetes. You can also seek help from a licensed dietitian to learn about healthy foods to eat to manage your diabetes.
Collaborative Treatment
Together with the Joslin Diabetes Center, our physicians have expanded treatments for diabetic foot ulcers and other circulatory problems due to diabetes.
Our Division of Podiatry has pioneered many innovative treatments for diabetic foot care. Our physicians are also involved with the Limb Preservation Center. The center combines podiatry, vascular surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery specialties.
Lower Extremity Bypass Surgery
Our providers have pioneered treatments for circulatory impairment in the legs and feet brought on by diabetes. Treatments include innovative surgical bypass techniques to treat blockages or narrowing in the leg arteries.
Most people who undergo peripheral vascular bypass surgery — including those with diabetes — do well and avoid amputation.
We also provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient diabetic foot wound care for chronic and slow-healing wounds and ulcers. For patients with foot ischemia and with diabetes who have had a graft, limb salvage is greater than 80% five years after treatment.
