Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Charles's Story

Charles Power underwent surgery by Dr. Ronald Sherman to shave a protruding bone that was causing two ulcers outside of his right foot.

Patient Story Highlights

  • Charles Power noticed two small ulcers on the outside of his right foot.
  • Dr. Ronald Sherman performed surgery on Mr. Power to shave down the protruding bone that was causing the ulcers.
  • Dr. Sherman discovered the way Mr. Power walked could potentially reopen the ulcers, so they are exploring orthotics to help Mr. Power distribute pressure more evenly when he walks.
  • Mr. Power has made a full recovery and is back to living his life.

When Charles Power noticed two small ulcers on the outside of his right foot, he promptly sought help. After seeing other specialists, Mr. Power was eventually referred to Ronald Sherman, D.P.M., M.B.A., a podiatric surgeon on the Johns Hopkins Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic team. Dr. Sherman immediately diagnosed the source of the ulcers – a protruding bone that would need to be shaved down.

“It was clear I needed to have the surgery,” explains Mr. Power. “I had to think about what my quality of life would be if I didn’t. The bone could become infected and then I would risk amputation.” After Dr. Sherman performed the operation, Mr. Power was on his way to recovery. Though the recovery process was long and arduous, the ulcers are now fully healed and he is back to living his life. He’s learned through his time with Dr. Sherman that the way he walks may play a role in potentially reopening the ulcers, so he’s planning to look into orthotic inserts that may help distribute the pressure created by walking more evenly.

Mr. Power’s wife, Daniella, has been by his side every step of the way and continues to join him during his follow-up appointments every 6 months. “Dr. Sherman is a wonderful professional whose pioneering work is helping to save the feet and legs of people with diabetes,” she says. “He explains everything well, is very respectful and kind. You can tell he genuinely cares about people and is passionate about his job.”

Mr. Power adds, “As both a physician and researcher, Dr. Sherman is always interested in advancing the field and improving care. I hope that anyone else with this problem finds Dr. Sherman and the entire Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic team sooner rather than later. Without them, no healing would have been possible.”

Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot and Wound Service

The Johns Hopkins Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot and Wound Clinic is a comprehensive, inpatient and outpatient, multi-specialty service aimed at healing the recurrent ulceration and decreasing rate of major amputations in diabetic patients.