Diabetic Foot Management
Magnitude of the problem in India
- Diabetic population : 30 million
- Foot complications : 39 %
- Compromised blood circulation : 6-16 %
- Neuropathy : 30 – 50 %
- 15 % of Diabetics would develop foot ulcer in their life time.
Who are at Highest risk for developing Diabetic foot problems?
- Uncontrolled Diabetes
- Neglected foot care
- Associated DM Neuropathy
- Associated Peripheral Arterial Disease/smoking
Myths about Diabetic foot treatment
Myths
- Technically not feasible to perform
- High chances for failure of treatment
- Very costly
- Limb amputation is inevitable
- Good quality artificial legs are better for life style
Truth
- Routinely performed by experts
- Very good success rate
- It’s a cost-effective treatment
- Rarely required if treated timely
- Nothing is comparable to one’s own legs
Warning signs / How do I Check my feet?
If you see any of the following alarming signs on your feet- immediately consult your doctor.
- Wound / ulcer development
- Abnormal swelling
- Redness / Localized pain
- Blister development
- Cuts/injury / broken skin on toes/heel
- Callus / Corn development
- Nail or toes color changes (Blue / black)
- Burning pains in legs / feet, worsening at night.
- Sharp leg cramps after walking some distance
- Feet feeling cold
- A tingling, pins and needles sensation, numbness in the feet
- Slippage of ‘Chappals’ from feet while walking
How we treat ?
- Wound cleaning procedure + Antibiotics
- Complete non-weight bearing of the involved extremity (Special footwear)
- Dedicated diabetic foot wound dressing / VAC dressing
- Teaching Foot care to patients
- Revascularisation (ANGIOPLASTY / BYPASS) for non-healing wounds when needed.
Role of improving blood circulation in diabetic foot
Why?: To save the foot, leg.
Goal: To Maximize foot blood circulation for wound healing
Treatment offered :
Our Results
Taking care of your feets
- Wash Dry Moisturize your feet daily to avoid skin dryness & cracks.
- Regularly check your feet (self-examination) for warning signs.
- If you have difficulty with your vision, ask a family member to check for you.
- Get your feet assessed annually once by your doctor.
- Cut your toe nails straight across, not at corners. Gently file if any sharp edges present.
- Avoid removing callous/corns on your own, it may cause injury to your feet.
- Avoid walking bare feet.
- Don’t wear tight socks/shoes
- Avoid direct heat application on feet with hot water bag/electric heating pads.
- If you find any injury/redness/crack; immediately:- Wash and dry your feet, apply antiseptic solution
e.g. Betadine & see your doctor.
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