The need for a comprehensive foot care model.

There is a prevalence of lower extremity amputations in patients with diabetes mellitus who are receiving hemodialysis; the frequency occurs because diabetes affects sensation, circulation, and the healing process, which predisposes patients with diabetes to skin damage and increases the risk for infections and foot ulcers. In a lifetime, about 15% of patients with diabetes will develop foot ulcers requiring an amputation. Previous research demonstrates that proper foot care and adequate footwear with frequent inspections of the feet will prevent foot ulcers. This article proposes the use of a comprehensive foot care model.