Diabetes, a widespread chronic condition, often leads to diabetic foot problems due to nerve damage and reduced blood flow in the feet. Early detection and prompt action are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Common symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, redness, sores, blisters, dry/cracked skin, slow healing cuts, corns, calluses, bunions, changes in foot shape, and loss of sensation.
Causes
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels
- Poorly fitting shoes causing friction and sores
- Weakened immune system increasing infection risk
- Diabetes-induced foot deformities contribute to diabetic foot
Risk Factors: Poorly controlled diabetes, tobacco use, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and inadequate foot care increase the risk of diabetic foot complications.
Diagnosis
Physical examination, assessing signs of infection, nerve damage, and circulation issues, along with lab tests like complete blood count, chemistry panel, and glycosylated haemoglobin test, and imaging tests like X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, and nerve conduction study aid in diagnosing diabetic foot.
Treatment Options
- Self-care involves managing diabetes, regular foot care, proper shoe selection, and avoiding walking barefoot.
- Medications may include pain relievers, antibiotics, and medications to control blood sugar levels.
- Surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue, repair damage, or correct deformities.
- Physical therapy helps restore foot strength and mobility.
- Off-loading reduces pressure on affected areas with specialized shoes or orthotic devices.
- Wound care includes keeping wounds clean and dry, applying topical antibiotics, and proper bandaging.
- Plastic surgery, podiatric surgery, and vascular surgery are options for persistent or nonhealing ulcers.
Preventive Measures
- Regular foot check-up
- Wearing clean, properly fitting socks and shoes
- Daily foot washing with mild soap and warm water
- Proper toenail trimming
- Avoiding walking barefoot and soaking feet
- Temperature moderation and avoiding lotions/oils between toes.
- Regular exercise to manage blood sugar levels.
Diabetic foot is a serious complication of diabetes, characterized by nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, leading to pain, numbness, ulcers, and infections. Early detection, proper foot care, timely medical intervention, and preventive measures are crucial for minimizing complications and maintaining foot health in individuals with diabetes.
