Diabetic foot
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about diabetic foot.
What Is Diabetic Foot?
Patients with diabetes may experience various foot problems, which can lead to serious complications. Diabetic foot often occurs when the nerves in the feet are damaged, resulting in a loss of sensation.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetic Foot?
- Symptoms may include:
- Loss of sensation topain and temperature.
- Numbness.
- Tingling or heightened sensations, such as discomfort from wearing socks.
- Changes in skin color.
- Non-healing wounds.
Ulcers on the sole of the foot.
What Are the Causes of Diabetic Foot?
- Diabetes affects theblood vessels andnerves inthe feet:
Elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels over time can damage blood vessels and nerves.
Damaged nerves result in a loss of sensation, making wounds or ulcers more likely to go unnoticed and become infected.:
- What Are the Methods of Diagnosing Diabetic Foot?
- The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional tests may include:
- Examination of the affected area (toes, feet, or legs).
- Sensory testingusingspecifictools..
- Checking for signs such as redness, swelling, warmth, discoloration, or discharge.
Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans.
Taking a sample of any discharge to identify the type of infection.
What Are the Methods of Treating Diabetic Foot?
- Treatment may include both non-surgical and surgical approaches:
- Non-surgical treatment:
- Cleaning and dressing wounds.
- Antibiotics if there is an infection.
- Treating foot deformities with a cast or splint.
Using medical footwear.
- Controlling gangrene with appropriate medications.
- Surgical treatment:
- Correcting footdeformities withsurgery.
Removing or debriding infected tissue.
Partial or completeamputation in casesof gangrene.
- What Are the Ways to Prevent Diabetic Foot?
- Perform self-examinations using a mirror to check for wounds, bruises, pressure points, and nail issues .
- Check for swelling.
- Examining between the toes.
Test sensation across the foot.
- Do not treat any issue without medical advice.
- What Are the Complicationsof Diabetic Foot?
- Foot deformity: Changes in foot shape, especiallyfrom wearing tight shoes for long periods.
- Skin changes: Dryness, peeling, and cracking caused by nerve damage affecting skin hydration.
- Corns: Rapid development in diabetics,which can lead to ulcers.
Foot ulcers: Often occur on the ball of the foot, under the big toe, or on the sides, due to non-healing wounds or infections.
- Poor circulation: Reduced ability to heal or fightinfection due to narrowed and thickened blood vessels.
In advanced stages, complications may include:
Gangrene: Tissue death caused by complete loss of blood supply or severe infection.
- When Should You See a Doctor?
- Feet should be checked daily at home and at least once a year by a doctor to prevent ulcers and infections. Seek medical attention if:
- You notice ulcers, even small ones.
Wounds are not healing or are getting worse.
Numbness, weakness, or interferes with daily life.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How is foot care done?
- Check water temperature before washing feet with soap and water.
- Avoid exposing feet to rain and snow.
- Dry feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Use unscented moisturizers, avoiding the spaces between the toes.
- Trim nails straight across; avoid cutting corners to prevent injury.
- Do not use hot compresses, disinfectants, or sharp tools.
- Wear clean, loose-fitting socks; avoid torn socks.
- Never walk barefoot.
- Avoid open-toed shoes.
