Saving the Diabetic Foot

Written by Dr Rajesh Kesari MD   

beautiful legs

More than 40% of Diabetics get some problems related to the feet during their lifetime. Due to loss of nerves the feet do not sense minor traumas like cuts and abrasions. Autonomic neuropathy causes increased blood flow to the bones of feet, which flushes away calcium and other minerals from bones making them weak and easily prone to fractures even with insignificant traumas or casual walking.

Decreased Blood flow due to Peripheral arterial Disease, results in lesser blood supply leading to poor healing and infection of the wound.

As the infection spreads – it may become life threatening, inorder to save the life of the patient the infected portion may have to be amputated- toes, part of the feet or even a leg.

Diabetes treatment is aimed at prevention of Diabetic foot complications, contact your Diabetologist immediately and  start Diabetes therapy for Total Control of Diabetes. But with some care and efforts, these drastic complications are avoidable to a great extent.

 CARING FOR THE DIABETIC FOOT: 


 Keep good control of Blood Sugar Wash and inspect your feet daily before going to bed – If you notice any of the following see your doctor immediately or take the necessary action (like properly cutting nails).

Wear good comfortable footwear

It should be wide and long enough to comfortably accommodate the foot-

without causing excessive pressure on any parts.

Never walk bare foot, always be in slip-ons even at home
  • Look for CRACKED HEELS, TOES or SIDES
  • CALLUSES on heels, toes or sides of soles
  • CUTS, SCRATCHES on soles, heels or sides
  • INGROWING TOENAILS
  • Fungal infections ( Athletes Foot)

    		•
    If you ever notice redness of any part of the foot immediately do an Xray- consult a doctor to avoid missing a Charcot foot or a fracture.
    If you ever develop an ulcer or a wound you MUST WEAR PROPER MODIFIED FOOTWEAR so that the affected area does not bear any weight and is offloaded
    • Callus & Corns
      Callus & Corns

      Callus is a horny layer of skin caused by friction & pressure

    • Cracked Dry Heels
      Cracked Dry Heels

      Cracked heels predispose to infections and ulcers

    • Athletes Foot
      Athletes Foot

      Fungal infections are common in uncontrolled Diabetes

    • Onychomycosis
      Onychomycosis

      Fungal nail infections are difficult to treat in Diabetics

    • Hammertoe Deformity
      Hammertoe Deformity

      Hammer-Mallet- Claw toe are deformities which predispose to foot ulceration and infection

    • Charcot Foot
      Charcot Foot

      Charcot foot- warm red and swollen with deformity

    • Paronychia
      Paronychia

      Infected ingrowing toenail in uncontrolled Diabetes

    • Ingrowing Toenail
      Ingrowing Toenail

      Severe Ingrowing Toenail

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