Diabetes, if not managed properly, can lead to further health complications in many patients. Learn how you can manage your diabetes and prevent further health concerns.
Diabetic patients often have to deal with different forms of foot problems caused by diabetic neuropathy. This can often lead to cuts, blisters and ulcers to form on the bony prominences of a person’s foot. Ulcers in diabetic patients is often caused when there is an excessive mechanical load on a particular part of the foot. It is imperative to take preventive measures when it comes to diabetic foot ulcers since if left untreated, they can lead to bone infection as well as amputation.
If you are diabetic, you may be at risk of foot. Diabetic foot screening at least once yearly is recommended to allow early identification and intervention of diabetic foot problems. Surviallance and early intervention using non operative and operative measures can can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of amputation.
Treatment offered at Diabetic foot clinic at American hospital:
• Diabetic foot screening
• Limb salvage and prevention of amputations
• Diabetic ulcer treatment
• Diabetic charcot arthropathy management
• Orthotic and foot wear modification
Multidisplinary team approach to manage Diabetic foot pathologies with involvement of doctors from the following specialties
• Endocrinology
• Vascular
• Plastic and reconstructive surgeon
• Infectious disease
• Radiology
• Podiatry and Orthotics
Foot problems in patients with diabetes is mostly caused by diabetic neuropathy. When an individual has uncontrolled diabetes, this can severely affect their nerves and it might damage the nerves in their legs and feet. This, in turn, leads to a lack of feeling in that area, or sensory diabetic neuropathy, because of which if a person gets a cut or sore on their foot, they won’t be able to feel it causing the wound to become infected. Damaged nerves can also cause muscle problems and lead to misalignment of the feet.
Diabetes can also cause peripheral vascular disease which leads to a lack of blood flow in the body. If the blood flow becomes affected, then it can take longer for cuts and sores to heal. In the case of infection, poor blood flow also puts a diabetic patient at risk for forming ulcers or gangrene.
The signs and symptoms of diabetic foot are as follows:
• Change in skin color
• Change in temperature
• Swelling of the foot
• Leg pain
• Open sores that won’t heal or have pus
• Ingrown nails
• Toenail fungus
• Dry cracks in the heel
• Persistent food odor
In order to properly diagnose diabetic foot, your doctor may inquire about your symptoms as well as how well you have controlled your blood glucose. Your doctor may then examine your feet to check for numbness as well as see for any signs of infection. In some cases, the doctor may also order an X-ray or MRI, as well as sample skin test to check for infection.
The treatment for diabetic foot as recommended by your Foot and ankle Orthopedic surgeon can include cleaning of the wound as well as draining fluid or pus from ulcers that developed on the feet. Dead or infected tissue may also be cut off and later, bandaged. It is imperative to use prescribed ointments and medications to ensure proper healing. In certain cases, depending on the severity, your Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon may recommend hospitalization. If the infection has spread excessively, amputation may also be needed to prevent further spreading.
In order to prevent diabetic foot, it is important for patients with diabetes to carefully control their blood sugar to avoid diabetic neuropathy. Patients should also frequently check their feet for any changes as well as have them checked by their doctors at every visit. They should also take preventative measures so that ingrown nails, sores, and ulcers do not form on their feet.
At Diabetic foot clinic at American Hospital Dubai, our top priority is to provide our patients with optimal care and facilities. If you would like to come in for a consultation with one of our doctors, you can book an appointment through the secure online form provided on our website.
