Abstract
Let us first understand the facts, and then we may seek the cause.
A very warm welcome to the first issue of 2015 which is devoted to the prevention and management of foot complications in patients with diabetes. The content presented in this Special Issue represents an accumulation of the exceptional work, experiences and leadership of clinicians and academics from the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, USA). It is led under the guest editorial guidance of Dr Karen Andrews MD – from the Mayo Clinic. The work presented is supported by teams from Northwestern University (Chicago, USA), the Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, USA) and the Orthopedic Center of Illinois (Springfield, USA). The Special Issue provides a range of literature reviews and expert opinion analysis which presents a contemporary view of the management of diabetic complications and the ever evolving role of the interdisciplinary team. It offers an evidence-based approach and delivers key information in terms of ‘state of the art’ management strategies for complications associated with diabetes. As with our previous Special Issue, a clinical perspective in research and product development article is included and discusses the role of soft tissue mechanism of injury. Here, a series of questions are posed highlighting the need to understand the concept of ‘rubbing’ over friction and the role of shear as a contributor and cause of soft tissue damage.
The global impact of diabetes and its complications represents one of the most common health problems worldwide. It is hoped that this Special Issue will appeal to a wide range of academic, clinicians and researchers from various disciplines who are involved in treating and have an interest in diabetes and its associated complications. In essence, it serves as a critical reminder of the consequences linked with diabetes and its effect on the lower extremities. Perhaps the fundamental key message from this Special Issue lies within the continuous need and evolution for interdisciplinary care to enhance patient management and outcomes.