Description
Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. High blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. Diabetic foot refers to foot problems in individuals with diabetes, primarily due to nerve damage (Diabetic neuropathy) and poor blood flow. Diabetic neuropathy, can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of sensation in an individual's feet. These individuals can't feel pain, and they may not know when they have a cut, blister, or ulcer (open sore) on their foot. A wound like that could get infected. The infection may not heal well because the damaged blood vessels can cause poor blood flow in their feet. Having an infection and poor blood flow can lead to gangrene. That means the muscle, skin, and other tissues start to die. If someone has gangrene or a foot ulcer that does not get better with treatment, it may need an amputation. This is a surgery to cut off your damaged toe, foot, or part of leg. It may prevent a bad infection from spreading and could save such individual's life. Regular foot exams and proper foot care along with strict blood sugar control are crucial for prevention and management. Causes and Risk Factors: A) Diabetic Neuropathy- Damaged nerves can cause loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries like cuts or blisters. B) Poor Blood Flow- Diabetes can damage blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the feet, which hinders healing and increases infection risk. C) High Blood Sugar- Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can contribute to both nerve damage and blood vessel damage. Symptoms and Complications of Diabetic Foot: * Numbness or tingling in the feet. * Loss of sensation. * Dry, cracked, or scaly skin. * Ingrown toenails, calluses, or corns. * Foot ulcers that don't heal. * Infections, including cellulitis or osteomyelitis. * Gangrene (tissue death). * Amputations, if infections are severe and don't respond to treatment. Prevention and Management: 1) Regular foot exams for any crack, wound, or abrasions are essential. 2) Daily foot care, including washing, drying, and moisturizing (with caution). 3) Proper size, good quality and comfortable footwear( loose sport shoes) to be worn, avoiding walking barefoot. 4) Avoid wet clothes/ socks. 5) Avoid hot shower bath. Bath with buckets and if using hot water, ask someone to check the temperature of water before using the same. 6) Keep skin dry and clean. But if it is very dry then apply some baby oil or moisturizer. 7) Trim nails carefully and do not cut them very small to avoid injury. 8) Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range. 9) Managing other risk factors like smoking and high blood pressure. 10) Promptly treating any cuts, blisters, or sores. When to Seek Medical Attention: Any foot injury, especially if it doesn't heal within a few days. Red, warm, or painful skin on the feet. Swelling in the foot or ankle. Open sores or ulcers. Fungal infections or ingrown toenails. Changes in foot color or temperature. Loss of sensation or ability to feel heat or cold. This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult Dr. Brijendra Singh at Brij Laser And Laparoscopy Centre. Highlights of our Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatments at Brij Laser And Laparoscopy Centre: # Brij Laser And Laparoscopy Centre is a comprehensive and multi-specialty Centre to take care of Diabetic Foot very efficiently. # Brij Laser and Laparoscopy Centre aims at prevention and healing of the recurrent/ non-healing ulceration of Diabetic Foot. # Our mission is "Save Limb, Save Life“ and avoid or reduce the rate of major amputations in diabetic patients. # Our Treatments are Fully Covered under Mediclaim. # Our Methods are proven both Safe and Effective. # We provide solutions to all the stages of Diabetic Foot. # We use internationally approved techniques for the treatment of Diabetic Foot. # we prefer customized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. # Dedicated support throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. # High success rates ensuring long-lasting relief and satisfaction. # We aim for same day discharge @ convenience and comfort of the patient.