Diabetic Foot Treatment: What You Need To Know

Diabetes is a serious condition that affects the way your body breaks down food and utilizes insulin. It can cause a range of issues, from eye damage to nerve damage and even loss of a limb. One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic foot, which is a condition where the blood supply to the feet is reduced, leading to infection, tissue damage, and ulcers. It’s essential to recognize the signs of diabetic foot and to seek treatment as soon as possible.

What Is Diabetic Foot?

Diabetic foot is a result of the neuropathy, or nerve damage, that can occur as a result of diabetes. Neuropathy affects the nerves in the feet that are responsible for feeling and movement. When these nerves are damaged, the result is numbness, weakness, and a lack of sensation in the feet. This can lead to wounds that don’t heal properly and can become infected, leading to serious, even deadly, complications.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot

There are a few risk factors that can increase your chances of developing diabetic foot. These include:

• High blood glucose levels
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Cigarette smoking
• Obesity
• A previous history of foot ulcers
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
• Previous amputation or foot surgery

It is also important to note that men are more likely to develop diabetic foot than women.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetic Foot

There are a few signs and symptoms that can indicate the presence of diabetic foot. These include:

• Numbness or tingling in the feet
• Pain in the feet or legs
• Swelling of the feet or legs
• Redness or discoloration of the feet
• Open sores, wounds, or ulcers on the feet
• Infection in the feet or legs

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot

If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of diabetic foot, your doctor will likely order a number of tests to make a diagnosis. These tests may include:

• Blood tests to check your glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol
• Imaging tests such as an X-ray or MRI to check for any abnormalities in the bones or soft tissues of the feet
• A nerve conduction test to check for nerve damage
• A skin biopsy to check for any infection or other abnormalities

Treatment of Diabetic Foot

Once your doctor has made a diagnosis, they will create a treatment plan for you. This plan may include:

• Medications to reduce pain, swelling, and infection
• Lifestyle changes to improve your overall health such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking
• Surgery to repair any damaged nerves or tendons
• Physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength
• Custom orthotics or braces to help reduce pressure on the feet
• Wound care to keep any sores or ulcers clean and free of infection

Prevention of Diabetic Foot

The best way to prevent diabetic foot is to keep your blood glucose levels under control. This can be done by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking any medications prescribed by your doctor. Additionally, it is important to inspect your feet daily for any signs of infection, sores, or ulcers, and to seek medical attention immediately if you notice any.

Conclusion

Diabetic foot is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to severe infection and even amputation. It is important to be aware of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of diabetic foot, and to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may have it. With proper treatment, you can prevent further damage and protect your feet from serious complications.