As a result of his diabetes, Elmer “Eli” Michaelis had a severe foot problem.

“I had two ulcers on the bottom of my right foot,” he says. “I have been fighting it for years, but it never healed properly.”

Eli tried to maintain proper care, but found it difficult because he is here only half the year.

“I spend about six months in Florida each year and then six months in Germany,” he explains. “While I was in Germany, I had an infection, and it got so bad my entire foot was about to be amputated. That’s when I came back to the States.”

He consulted board-certified podiatrist Keith J. Kalish, DPM, whom he regularly sees while in Florida.

“Dr. Kalish immediately put me in the hospital,” says Eli, “and saved my foot.”

Diabetic foot care

Dr. Kalish is one of a select group of podiatric surgeons who hold dual certifications from the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Orthopedics. He notes that his practice offers comprehensive treatment for podiatric problems.

“We treat all painful conditions,” he says, “from diabetic wounds to plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, neuromas, and skin, bone, and muscle problems.”

When it comes to diabetes, Dr. Kalish emphasizes the importance of regular evaluations.

“We see many diabetics,” he reflects. “They come in periodically for what’s considered routine diabetic foot care, where we evaluate their circulation and nerve function, because these are two areas where diabetics can get into trouble.”

He explains that Eli was lucky he came back to the States when he did.

“Eli had a longstanding problem that became worse when we were unable to continue his care here in this country. By the time he returned from Germany, he already had osteomyelitis , or infection of the bone, which sometimes requires surgical treatment. In his case, we removed the infected bone and he was still able to maintain a good portion of his foot that he can bear weight on with a customized shoe, which was provided through our in-office diabetic shoe program.”

Dr. Kalish adds that proper foot gear and frequent follow-up appointments are crucial for patients with severe diabetic foot ulcers like Eli.

“Fortunately, by coming back to us when he did, Eli was able to avoid having his foot or leg amputated,” reflects the doctor. “Diabetes is the number one cause of amputations, and it’s critical that we try to help people avoid that outcome through education and preventative foot care.”

“I have no pain”

Eli records his thanks to Dr. Kalish, noting that he’s glad he was able to return to the US in time to prevent losing his entire foot.

“They have efficient doctors in Europe, but they have a bad system: everything takes so long,” he explains. “My salvation was coming back to the States, and thank God I have Dr. Kalish. I was in such a bad condition – with my other organs, my heart and kidneys – that if I had stayed in Europe, I would have died by now.

“Today, my foot is completely healed. I can walk, and I have no pain. Dr. Kalish did save my foot, but he really saved my life.

“I’m very grateful to him.”

FCHN - Michael J. Sahno