BODYCAST - THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CSOT Achilles tendon surgery heals diabetic foot ulcers Lengthening procedure relieves ulcer-causing pressure A simple surgical procedure to lengthen the Achilles tendon or an attacked calf muscle can decrease pressure on the ball of the foot and provide relief to patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers, according to research presented at the Diabetic Foot Symposium of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Foot ulcers are a major complication of diabetes and occur from neuropathy that impairs nerve sensation, causing diabetic patients to lose that feeling in their feet. As a result, even the smallest cut or wound can progress to a serious foot ulcer if men and women with diabetes are negligent about foot care. Those with untreated foot ulcers eventually could be at risk for serious infection, amputation and possible loss of life. Cherie Johnson, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatric foot and ankle surgeon based in Seattle, reported on her extensive research on the tight Achilles tendon and its impact on the foot. She explained that increased blood sugar levels brought on by diabetes affect collagen fibres in the Achilles and cause it to tighten. The Achilles is attached to the back of the heel and is pulled by two muscles in the calf. A tight Achilles pulls harder on the heel bone and exerts more pressure on the bottom of the foot This
abstract is a portion of the article which appears in the Winter
2003 issue of BodyCast.
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