Diabetic Foot

Signs and symptoms

• Cuts, blisters, or ulcers on the feet that don’t heal
• Redness, warmth, or swelling in the feet
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet
• Dry, cracked skin on the feet
• Changes in the shape of the feet
• Foot odor that won’t go away

Complications

• Infection: If a wound on the foot doesn’t heal, it can become infected. Infection can spread to the bone and even throughout the body.
• Gangrene: Gangrene is tissue death that can occur when there’s not enough blood flow to an area of the body. Gangrene can lead to amputation of the toe, foot, or leg.
• Charcot foot: This is a rare condition that causes the bones in the foot to break and change shape. Charcot foot can be very painful and can make it difficult to walk.

Preventions

• Manage your blood sugar levels.
• Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or other injuries.
• Wash your feet daily with warm, soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
• Moisturize your feet daily to prevent dry, cracked skin.
• Wear well-fitting shoes that protect your feet.
• See your doctor for regular foot exams.

Treatment

Angioplasty and stenting can be performed to reopen the blocked blood vessels and help wound healing and prevent limb loss (Click here to read more on Angioplasty/ stenting).

Early detection and treatment of diabetic foot problems can help prevent serious complications, such as infection, gangrene, and amputation.