Diabetic foot disease is an unfortunate complication in patients with diabetes. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disease where the body is unable to produce an adequate amount of insulin. This reduction in insulin leads to an increase in blood sugar in the body that may lead to many complications associated with diabetes. The diabetic feet complications are one of the unfortunate areas affected by this disease.
Patients with diabetes mellitus may have poor circulation, loss of feeling or peripheral neuropathy in the hands and feet, thickened toenails, hardened calluses, ulcerations or sores on the bottom or top of the feet, and increase risk of amputation. In addition, the diabetic foot patient may be imbalanced leading to biomechanical deformities as bunions, hammertoes, collapsed mid-foot arch, equines or tight heel cord, and charcot
Neuroarthropathy.
The diabetic foot should be evaluated and treated by a professional podiatrist. The clinical exam is important to evaluate the skin texture, toenails, pulses for circulation, testing for nerve damage, muscle strength weakness, biomechanical stability, and gait testing. Diagnostic tests as x-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, Doppler studies, nerve tests, blood tests, wound cultures, and MRI or CT scans are other exams used to help the podiatrist gain accuracy in the diabetic foot patient.
Treatment of the diabetic foot is a team effort. It is very important to communicate with the medical doctor, endocrinologist, therapist, dietician, pedorthist shoe maker, and podiatric surgeon. Education is the most important factor in foot health. In order to maintain and reduce complications of the diabetic feet, the patient should begin by following these simple instructions:
- Take care of the blood sugar and keep it within control.
- Examine and clean your feet daily.
- Wear the proper shoes and custom inserts recommended by your podiatrist.
- Protect the diabetic foot from extreme temperatures of the different seasons.
- Continue with proper exercise to improve blood flow and reduce sugar levels.
- Maintain diabetic foot appointments with the podiatrist for check-up.
