For those with diabetes, foot care is something that needs to be considered every day. The nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) that is present in about half of people with diabetes most often affects the legs and feet, causing a loss of feeling. When people have no sensation in this area, small wounds such as a cut or sore can go unnoticed and worsen quickly. Diabetes can also lower the amount of blood flow to the feet, which makes it harder for minor ailments to heal. Unfortunately, amputation is common for those who develop foot complications due to diabetes, but proper care and treatment can help avoid this outcome.
Learn more about diabetic foot conditions and care, when you should seek medical treatment, and how our doctors at Comprehensive Foot Specialists diagnose and treat diabetic foot complications at our office in Huntington, NY.
A diabetic foot is defined as a lower extremity that displays pathology, resulting directly from diabetes mellitus. Some of the characteristic pathologies may include ulcerations, infections, neuropathy, and/or osteoarthropathy. However, in order to make a diagnosis of diabetes, routine blood work is taken, as well as blood sugar levels being monitored. The diagnosis is of utmost importance, potentially being the underlying component of the pathology itself.
Diabetes can affect the foot in a variety of ways, from specific conditions such as ulcers to general neuropathy. In rare cases, nerve damage from diabetes can cause a change in the shape of the foot. If you have diabetes, the following foot symptoms should prompt you to seek medical attention:
Secondary to peripheral nerve dysfunction, diabetic patients tend to have diminished sensation in their extremities, especially the feet. This relates to minor injuries and wounds going unnoticed for periods of time and ultimately becoming problematic. In addition, diabetes mellitus puts additional stress on the arteries causing poor blood circulation to the extremities, therefore delaying wound healing to an even greater extent.
A diabetes self-care plan can help diabetic patients ensure the proper and long-term health of their feet. This type of plan usually includes checking and washing the feet every day, trimming the toenails straight across, gently smoothing corns and calluses, protecting the feet from hot and cold temperatures, and consistently wearing both socks and shoes. A minor injury that would not cause problems for someone without diabetes can become much worse for someone with the condition, due to its presence being missed.
Diabetic foot conditions are diagnosed through a physical examination of the foot. The doctor will examine the foot for any wounds, including ulcers, that may have worsened over time. The patient’s level of sensation in the foot can also be gauged with a physical exam. Diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the electrical activity of the nerves of the feet. The extent of the wound or condition of the foot will determine the type of treatment needed. Infection may lead to the need for amputation so it does not spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment for a diabetic foot condition or ailment begins with the identification of the disease itself, diabetes. From there, prevention of the aforementioned conditions is of utmost importance. This may include patient education, optimizing blood glucose levels, identification of feet at high risk for ulcer formation, and self-examination. Unfortunately, a majority of predisposed feet will advance to form a diabetic foot infection. These often require the addition of oral antibiotics, weekly monitoring of the wound/infection, and possible hospitalization.
Prompt treatment of a diabetic foot wound or ulcer is essential to recovery without complications. At our conveniently located office in Huntington, NY, our qualified podiatrists work with patients with diabetes, identifying and treating diabetic foot conditions and helping them move forward with guidance for future care. To learn more about the conditions we treat and services we offer, and to make your appointment, please contact us today.
At Comprehensive Foot Specialists, our expert physicians are dedicated to treating a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions so you can live comfortably, 24/7. Contact us today to learn more!Book an Appointment