Overview
Uncontrolled diabetes can reduce blood supply to your feet and cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness, tingling, pain, or a loss of feeling in your feet. If you can’t feel pain in your legs, you are more likely to develop foot problems such as blisters, rashes, and wounds without noticing them.
Unnoticed and untreated wounds might grow infectious and might be difficult to heal due to decreased blood flow. In advanced cases, amputation of a toe, foot, or part of the leg may be necessary to stop the spread of infection and save the patient’s life; however, there are various ways to reduce the risk of amputation and keep diabetic feet safe from cuts and infection.
When you have diabetes, you must take special care of your feet and tell your doctor right away if you suspect you’ve contracted an infection as it can be prevented from spreading if treated early. If you take proper care of your feet, you can avoid the majority of diabetes-related complications.
What are the causes of diabetic feet?
Several factors can increase the risk of having diabetic feet. Diabetic people are more likely to develop foot problems if they are overweight or have high blood pressure or cholesterol. They are also more at risk of having diabetic feet if they have had long-term diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
What are the symptoms of diabetic feet?
Some of the symptoms to look out for if you are diabetic include:
- Fluid or pus discharge.
- Persistent foot odor.
- Redness or inflammation.
- Discoloration of the skin.
- Leg discomfort or pain.
- Skin or toenail alterations, such as cuts or sores.
How are diabetic feet diagnosed?
To diagnose diabetic feet, our healthcare expert will ask about your symptoms and how well you control your blood glucose levels. They will check for numbness in your toes, feet, and legs. If you have a diabetic ulcer or blister, the doctor will look for any indicators of infection, such as swelling, discoloration, or discharge. They may request an X-ray or MRI test, as well as a skin tissue sample to check the extent of infection.
How are diabetic feet treated?
There are various treatments for diabetic feet, depending on your condition:
Debridement
Debridement is a foot ulcer cleaning procedure that removes dead or contaminated skin and tissue to promote healing and prevent the infection from spreading or worsening. Our specialist will clean the area, drain any fluid or pus from the ulcer, and remove dead or infected tissue using a scalpel. They’ll use bandages and ointments to absorb excess fluid and protect the wound as it heals. Afterward, they will use a disinfectant solution to clean the wound. This procedure can be done several times over the course of weeks or months to help the foot recuperate. After debridement, your doctor will apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
Amputation
When an infection cannot be treated, amputation is the best treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to other regions of the body. Our doctor will remove any diseased tissue and broken bones. They will smooth the uneven areas of bone and seal off blood vessels and nerves and then cut and shape muscles so that they are able to attach an artificial limb to the muscles.
What should I do to prevent having diabetic feet?
When you have diabetes, you must take special care of your feet because taking care of your feet on a regular basis is one of the most effective strategies to avoid foot problems. The following are some suggestions for improving blood circulation and preventing diabetic foot problems:
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control.
- Inspect your feet daily for any changes.
- Get your feet examined by a doctor at least once a year.
- Keep your toenails clipped to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Exercise regularly to maintain blood flow to your feet.
- Wash your feet in warm water every day and dry them thoroughly.
- Use cornstarch or talcum powder between the toes to avoid moisture buildup.
- Avoid smoking, walking barefoot, or wearing tight shoes.
Schedule your foot evaluation at Novomed today
If you take care of your feet, you will be able to spot problems early and prevent complications.
Book a consultation at Novomed to have your feet evaluated by one of our experts by calling toll-free 8006686 or clicking the live chat icon at the bottom of the screen.