Since more than 56,000 amputations are performed among people with diabetes each year, according to the American Diabetes Association, many HME foot care providers are coming together to promote foot care awareness.

De La Torre is one of them. As the president of De La Torre Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc, a family-owned business operating in Pittsburgh for more than 40 years, he estimates that 75% to 80% of his clients are amputees or diabetics.

“People come in with shoes too small, too short, or too narrow, and they have sores and redness on their feet,” he says. “Their excuse is, ‘Well, these shoes only cost me $10.’”

Many diabetics do not realize that caring for diabetes includes caring for their feet. This is one of the reasons De La Torre sits on the advisory board of Foot.com Inc, Teaneck, NJ, a Web site promoting the value of foot health care. The site provides information on the prevention and treatment for common foot problems and/or discomfort.

Andrew Gold, CP, Cped, also sits on Foot.com’s advisory board to promote the importance of foot care. He stresses there is more to diabetic foot care than finding the right shoe size.

“In the case of a person with diabetes, footware becomes a medical device,” says Gold. “Improperly fit shoes and orthotic devices can create problems, and a person with diabetes really needs expertise and information as well as the product.”

Founder of Comfort Plus Shoes, Leawood, Kan, Gold began his endeavor to answer the needs of those with abnormal feet and those with normal feet susceptible to abnormal stresses. Being on Foot.com, or any well-organized board, Gold says, gives members an opportunity to share ideas, and a sense of ownership in one’s own profession.

“I think participating [in a field-related organization] is truly a responsibility for the dedicated professional,” Gold says. “It is a legacy we leave to future generations.”

There are many ways in which providers can help diabetic patients. Keep current with the latest technology. Stay abreast of new literature and journals. Become involved with a foot care-related organization. Learn about the different types of footware available. Finally, commit to providing the absolutely best possible care and product available.

“Anything less,” Gold says, “compromises the health and well-being of the client.”

—Marissa Shira