A complication arising due to prolonged periods of high blood sugar, diabetic foot is a condition characterized by foot problems or injuries which occur due to nerve damage in the extremities and can cause ulcer and infection. The feet do not get an adequate supply of blood or oxygen due to the damage to the blood vessels. Foot infections are one of the most common health complications resulting due to diabetes.

Who is at RISK!

In general, there is a 15% chance that a diabetic patient will develop diabetic foot complications at some point in life. These problems can occur due to:

• Neuropathy or nerve damage or poor blood circulation in the feet
• Frequent episodes of hyperglycemia or constant high blood sugar levels
• Hypertension or high cholesterol levels
• Obesity or suffering from diabetes for a long time

HOW:

The main cause of diabetic foot is the high blood sugar levels in the body, which damages the nerves (Diabetic Neuropathy). This nerve damage results in a loss of sensation in the feet (Numbness). This, in turn, has a cascading effect where the person is unable to feel any wound or irritation in the feet, which can result in untreated infections. These, if allowed to fester, can lead to more serious complications such as gangrene, and can require amputation.

Another effect of the nerve damage is that the feet’s ability to sweat is impaired. The resultant dry feet causes cracks, which allows germs to enter the body. Diabetics will have motor neuropathy that will restrict & hamper the range of limb moments and results in deformities too. Diabetes can also cause the blood vessels to shrink and harden, making it harder to fight infection.

Diabetics also suffer from reduced blood flow to the limbs that causes narrowing of arteries that can result in delayed healing of infection or worsening of a diabetic foot ulcer.

Common Complaints:

• Discoloration of the skin
• Swelling or redness
• Discharge of pus or other fluids
• Foul odor from the wound
• Changes in the toenails

To Prevent Diabetic Neuropathy/ Nerve Damage

• Stop Smoking
• Adequate Diabetic Sugar Control
• Regular Exercise
• Foot Care

DO

• Daily inspection of diabetic feet due to loss of sensation to check for swelling, redness, blisters, or open sores and the bottom of the foot. (Use a Mirror)
• Wear diabetes appropriate footwear at all times, even at home.
• Cleaning the feet regularly, especially between the toes and drying them.
• Regular moisturizing of the feet to prevent dry skin or cracking.
• Keeping toenails short to avoid any injury.
• Avoiding extreme temperatures
• Regular check-ups with a diabetic foot specialist

DONT

• Never walk barefoot indoors or outdoors.
• Never wear tight socks or stockings as they can reduce the blood flow to the feet.
• Do not try to pull out corns on the feet with sharp instruments or chemicals.
• Never use any hot objects to warm the feet

What Is DMF

The diagnosis and management of diabetic foot are a multi-specialty effort and require a medical team of diabetologists and diabetic foot surgeons, and this service is being offered at Satyam Hospital, Ghatkopar, Mumbai, over the last two decades. Diabetes foot disease can impair mobility and reduce the quality of life and increase the chances of infections and serious complications. People with diabetes may have a reduced blood supply to the feet, which again is called diabetic peripheral vascular disease and that predisposes the individual to worsened infections in case of cuts or wounds.

A severe complication of diabetic foot results in amputation of the affected part of the limb due to gangrene to prevent further spread of the infection.

SURGICAL SPECTRUM:

• Preventive Measures
• Incision & Drainage
• Debridement
• Fasciotomy
• Dislocation Surgery
• Amputations
• Daily Dressings & OPD procedures