Feet and nails can signal many diseases

An event titled “The Importance of Podiatric Care and Its Link to Chronic Diseases” was organized by the Podiatry Program of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services. The guest speaker of the event was Wound Care Nurse and Podologist Deniz Yahcı. Emphasizing that diabetic foot ulcers can be prevented through early diagnosis and proper care, Yahcı stated that feet and nails can be indicators of many diseases. She also highlighted the vital importance of early diagnosis and patient education, noting that neuropathy and circulatory disorders pose major risks.

At the event held at the Yuşa Conference Hall on the Çarşı Campus, Yahcı shared her professional experience with students, stating that she has worked as a nurse for over 35 years and established one of the first foot health and wound care units in private hospitals in Türkiye.

Yahcı emphasized that diabetic foot ulcers must be addressed with a multidisciplinary approach and noted that podiatric care plays a critical role in this process.

Feet and nails can signal many diseases

Wound Care Nurse and Podologist Deniz Yahcı stated that feet and nails provide early signs of systemic diseases in the body and that podologists play a very important role in the field. Drawing attention to the serious consequences that incorrect referrals may cause for patients, Yahcı said, “With correct diagnosis and proper referral, it is sometimes possible to save a limb or even a life.”

Yahcı explained that cancer, thyroid, kidney, and blood diseases directly affect foot and nail structure. She noted that nail changes are especially common in patients receiving chemotherapy and are often mistaken for fungal infections, although they may actually be side effects of medication.

Diabetes is a global threat

Stating that diabetes has become one of the biggest global health problems today, Yahcı said that there are approximately 589 million people with diabetes worldwide and that this number is expected to rise to 853 million by 2050. She noted that the diabetes rate in Türkiye has reached 16 percent, describing it as a serious public health issue.

Yahcı stated that the lifetime risk of developing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes ranges between 12 and 34 percent and that the majority of amputations result from diabetes related complications. “Every 20 seconds, someone in the world loses a limb due to diabetes,” she said, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.

Neuropathy and circulatory disorders pose major risks

Yahcı explained that the two most significant effects of diabetes are peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy, both of which damage foot tissue and nerves. She stated that neuropathy leads to loss of sensation, preventing patients from noticing wounds on their feet, and that even a small callus can eventually lead to serious infections and limb loss.

She added that autonomic neuropathy causes skin dryness, cracks, and severe deformities such as Charcot foot, while motor neuropathy increases the risk of hammer toes and callus formation.

Not every callus is harmless

Emphasizing that not every hardened tissue can be safely removed during podiatric care, Yahcı stated that in some cases there may be underlying bone infection or open wounds. She stressed that such cases must be referred to a physician and warned that exceeding professional authority can lead to serious legal consequences for both patients and healthcare professionals.

Early diagnosis and patient education are vital

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

Saying, “Taking medical history, checking pulses, performing sensory tests, and keeping regular records protect both the patient and the healthcare professional,” Yahcı noted that podologists play a key role in improving the quality of life of patients with diabetes.

The event concluded with a group photo session and the presentation of certificates.