Diabetic Foot Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Diabetic foot is caused by chronic high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) that cause nerve damage ( diabetic neuropathy ) and poor blood circulation. This nerve damage can cause numbness, burning pain, tingling, or reduced sensation in the foot. With this loss of feeling, any wound that occurs on the foot may go unnoticed and lead to serious complications.

What is Diabetic Foot?

When a person suffers from high blood sugar levels for a long time, they may develop a range of foot problems. Such foot problems are caused due to a variety of reasons:

A wound goes unnoticed

Neuropathy reduces sensations in the foot. Thus, the person might not know about a cut, blister, or sore that has occurred in the foot.

Slow Healing causes Gangrene

If left untreated, infection can spread to other areas of the body and may lead to tissue death (Gangrene).

Recalcitrant wound

A wound heals slowly - Neuropathy can cause repeated unnoticed trauma, while reduced blood flow can limit the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for wound healing. Diabetes can also impair immune function, increasing the risk of infection.

The wound gets infected

The imperceptible wound is at an increased risk of infection under improper care.

What are the symptoms of Diabetic Foot?

Diabetic Foot symptoms appear gradually. A diabetic patient may initially feel numbness, tingling, or pain in the foot. Slowly, they may stop feeling their feet. Due to this, any blister, sore, or cut may go unnoticed and may escape treatment. Some other symptoms are -

Slow healing cuts or wounds

This is the number one sign of a diabetic foot. The wounds will not heal easily. If it persists, then infection may occur, leading to Gangrene.

Changes in skin colour and temperature

Skin looks pale, bluish, or may feel cooler than nearby areas, suggesting reduced blood circulation.

Constant swelling

Feet or ankles have swelling that does not go away with rest. This might be due to poor circulation.

Unusual discharge or odour

A discharge from a wound or unpleasant odour, or both, is another sign of a diabetic foot.

How is Diabetic Foot Treated?

Treatment of diabetic foot at the appropriate time is important as it saves the infection from spreading to other areas. The treatment of diabetic foot is done in the following ways-

Wound care

Cleaning and dressing the wound regularly to support healing and keeping it protected.

Treatment of the infection

The doctor prescribes antibiotics if an infection occurs. Serious infections may require hospital treatment or intravenous antibiotics.

Reducing pressure on the ulcer

Healing is delayed if the ulcer is under pressure. For this, special footwear, casts, braces, or other devices are recommended to relieve the pressure.

Blood Sugar Management

Healing is expedited when the blood sugar level is maintained within the recommended levels.

Improving Blood circulation

The doctor evaluates the blood vessels in the leg and the foot if he diagnoses that the wound is not healing fast due to poor circulation.

Treating underlying nerve problems

Even though nerve damage cannot be reversed, managing diabetes and tackling symptoms such as pain can help prevent subsequent complications.

Surgery for extreme cases

Severe infections, deep tissue damage, or serious complications require surgery. In cases where tissue cannot be saved, amputations are done.

How Can Diabetic Foot Be Prevented?

Good diabetes management, regular foot care, and early treatment of minor injuries are necessary to prevent Diabetic Foot.

Keep Blood Sugar Level Under Control

Maintaining blood sugar level within the recommended range reduces the chances of neuropathy and other diabetes related complications.

Inspect feet every day

Check for cuts, blisters, sores, wounds, redness, swelling, bruising, or changes in skin colour. It can help identify and treat them faster.

Keep feet clean and moisturized

Washing the feet with lukewarm water and applying a moisturizer, especially between the toes, reduces the chances of cracking, thereby preventing wounds.

Conclusion

Timely detection and proper foot care are of utmost importance to prevent Diabetic Foot . If a wound, cut, blister, or sore is noticed, treatment must be sought quickly through a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why does Diabetes Cause Foot Problems?

Diabetes can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels. Such nerve damage can reduce sensations in the feet. Additionally, reduced blood flow can make infections and wounds harder to heal. Acting together, they can increase the risk of foot infections and ulcers.

Q. How can I prevent Diabetic Foot Problems?

If you have diabetes, it's important to take proper care of your feet. The feet must be checked daily for cuts, bruises, wounds, or infections. Wash your feet daily and moisturize them to prevent cracks. Wear comfortable and properly fitting shoes and socks. Avoid walking barefoot and manage blood sugar levels within the recommended range.

Q. Can a diabetic foot ulcer heal on its own?

A diabetic foot ulcer should not be assumed to heal on its own. Since diabetes makes it harder for wounds to heal on their own, even a small cut or a blister can become complicated. Therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor if you witness a diabetic foot ulcer.

Q. Can a diabetic foot lead to amputation?

In case of severe infection or wound, an untreated diabetic foot ulcer or infection can lead to gangrene ( tissue death ) and consequently amputation. Adequate care, early detection, and timely treatment are necessary to prevent serious complications.