Feet and nails are harbingers of many diseases!

An event titled “The Importance of Podiatric Care and its Connection with Chronic Diseases” was organized by the Podology Program of Üsküdar University Health Services Vocational School (SHMYO). Wound Care Nurse and Podologist Deniz Yahcı attended the event as a guest speaker. Emphasizing that diabetic foot ulcers can be prevented with early diagnosis and proper care, Yahcı stated that feet and nails can be harbingers of many diseases. Yahcı also noted that early diagnosis and patient education are of vital importance, adding that Neuropathy and circulatory disorders pose a great risk.

Sharing her professional experiences with students at the event held in the Çarşı Campus Yuşa Conference Hall, Yahcı stated that she has been a nurse for over 35 years and established one of the first foot health and wound care units in private hospitals in Turkey. 

Yahcı emphasized that diabetic foot ulcers should be approached with a multidisciplinary perspective, stating that podiatric care plays a critical role in this process.

Feet and nails are harbingers of many diseases!

Wound Care Nurse and Podologist Deniz Yahcı stated that feet and nails provide early signs of systemic diseases in the body, adding that podologists undertake a very important task in the field. Yahcı pointed out that incorrect guidance can lead to serious consequences for patients; “With correct diagnosis and proper guidance, it is sometimes possible to save a limb, or even a life.” she said.

Yahcı stated that cancer, thyroid, kidney, and blood diseases directly affect the structure of feet and nails, emphasizing that nail changes are frequently observed in patients undergoing chemotherapy, which is often mistaken for fungus but could be a side effect of medication.

Diabetes: A Global Threat

Yahcı stated that diabetes has become one of the biggest global health problems today, with approximately 589 million diabetics worldwide, a number expected to rise to 853 million by 2050. Yahcı noted that the diabetes rate in Turkey has reached 16 percent, indicating a serious public health issue.

Yahcı stated that the lifelong risk of developing foot ulcers in diabetic patients ranges between 12 and 34 percent, adding that most amputations result from diabetes-related complications. “Globally, every 20 seconds, a person loses a limb due to diabetes,” Yahcı said, drawing attention to the importance of early intervention.

Neuropathy and Circulatory Disorders Pose a Great Risk…

Yahcı stated that the two most significant effects of diabetes are peripheral artery disease and neuropathy, noting that these two conditions damage foot tissue and nerves. Yahcı explained that neuropathy leads to loss of sensation, which means patients may not notice wounds on their feet, and even a small callus can eventually lead to severe infections and limb loss.

Yahcı conveyed that autonomic neuropathy causes serious deformities such as dry skin, cracks, and Charcot foot, and noted that motor neuropathy increases the formation of hammer toes and calluses.

Not Every Callus May Be Harmless

Yahcı emphasized that not every hardened tissue can be safely cleaned during podiatric care, stating that in some cases, an underlying bone infection or open wound might be present. Yahcı noted that in such cases, the patient must be referred to a physician, and exceeding the scope of practice can lead to serious legal consequences for both the patient and the healthcare professional.

Early Diagnosis and Patient Education Are Vital…

At the event, Yahcı also touched upon the importance of patient education in preventing diabetic foot ulcers, stating that daily foot checks, proper shoe selection, and regular podiatric care significantly reduce the risk of amputation.

“Taking anamnesis, checking pulses, performing sensory tests, and maintaining regular records protect both the patient and the healthcare professional,” said Yahcı, stating that podologists have a key role in improving the quality of life for diabetic patients.

The event concluded after a group photo session and certificate presentation.