Medical articles

How does diabetic foot begin?

Medical articles

Reviewed by: Dr. Ahmed Al-Matar, Endocrinology and Diabetes Consultant

Diabetes is known for its effects that extend from head to foot, and we often hear about “diabetic foot” and the wounds that accompany it that are difficult to heal.

What is meant by diabetic foot?

Diabetic foot is a group of complications affecting the feet in people with diabetes, such as ulcers, infection or tissue damage associated with neurological abnormalities and various degrees of peripheral vascular disease.

Remember that some diabetics may not exhibit any of these symptoms, which emphasizes the importance of periodic examination of the feet, even in the absence of any complaints.

Proper foot care, managing blood sugar levels, and seeking medical care early are crucial in preventing and treating these complications.

Prompt treatment of infection with antibiotics, incision and drainage of abscesses, and management of osteomyelitis is critical. The doctor should also evaluate and treat peripheral arterial disease and intervene surgically, if necessary, through one of the following methods:

Removal of dead tissue: If there are dead tissues that hinder the healing process.
Remove deformed nails: Which causes pain or hinders walking.
Amputation of the affected limb: In severe cases that threaten the patient's life, this may include amputation of one toe, the entire foot, or part of the leg.
Vascular surgery; To expand the arteries and improve blood flow to the foot, with the possibility of placing stents to keep the arteries open.

Treatment of diabetic foot at home

Methods for treating diabetic foot at home include following the doctor’s instructions and ways to care for wounds and ulcers, in addition to the following:

Reducing pressure on the affected foot through special devices, such as removable walkers or custom shoes, is essential for healing.
Control blood sugar by adhering to prescribed medications, as maintaining optimal blood glucose levels supports the body's natural healing processes.
Improve blood circulation by exercising regularly as directed by your doctor.
Diet modification is essential to control diabetes and reduce the risk of peripheral vascular disease.

In conclusion, the diabetes journey is a healthy journey that requires commitment and perseverance from the patient, and taking care of your feet is one of the most important stages of this journey.

Learn about: Symptoms of diabetes in children

Abnormal sensations, such as: tingling, burning, and numbness in the legs and feet.
Changes in appearance: Swelling and change in the shape of the feet;
Loss of sensation: Not feeling the occurrence of wounds or bruises, which may lead to their late discovery, by noticing blood spots on socks without knowing their cause, for example.
Hair loss in the legs and feet.
Notice the dryness of the outer skin of the leg and foot, with the skin appearing shiny and tight.
No sweating of the feet.
Difficulty healing wounds or ulcers.
Recurring muscle cramps and spasms in the leg while walking or even at rest.
Noticing bad foot odor, often caused by an open wound.
Extreme sensitivity to heat when touching the foot.

You may be interested to know: Symptoms of high blood sugar

Nerve damage: The patient loses the sensation of pain or temperature changes in the feet, which makes it difficult to notice wounds or injuries. This is called diabetic neuropathy, and it is one of the causes and complications of diabetic foot.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Narrowing of the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the feet, hindering the healing process and increasing the risk of infection.

There are also other factors that contribute to diabetic foot:

Immune system problems: Diabetes can slow down the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infections in diabetic foot ulcers.
Infection: Diabetics are more susceptible to infections because of their weakened immune system, which can lead to complications, such as gangrene and amputations if left untreated.
التدخين: It worsens peripheral artery disease and reduces blood flow to the feet.
High blood pressure: It negatively affects the health of blood vessels and increases the risk of diabetic foot.
High cholesterol: It causes fatty deposits to accumulate in the arteries, which may impede blood flow.
Obesity: Sick weight gain affects the health of blood vessels, contributes to the development of arterial diseases, and obstructs blood flow.

Read also: What is the normal cumulative blood sugar level?

Inflammatory conditions: It requires appropriate antibiotics to reduce inflammation, and careful dressing of wounds to keep them clean.
Superficial wounds: You need to clean the wounds and bandage them tightly, while monitoring any changes in the affected area.
Deep sores: You may need to remove dead tissue in your doctor's office, carefully following your doctor's instructions for care and avoiding complications.

Here is the answer to the question: Can diabetes be detected without a test?

Check your feet daily: Take a few minutes each day to carefully examine your feet, including the soles of your feet, for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or skin color changes.
Keeping feet clean: Wash your feet daily with warm water and unscented soap, making sure to clean between the toes.
Moisturizing the feet: Use a fragrance-free moisturizer to moisturize your feet daily, making sure to avoid getting the lotion between the toes.
Trimming toenails Correctly and straightly, then file the sharp edges to prevent them from getting embedded under the skin.
Wear suitable shoes: Avoid walking barefoot, even at home.
Maintaining blood sugar levels: Follow your doctor's instructions carefully to control your blood sugar levels, as high levels impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection.
Quit smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the feet, which hinders the body's ability to heal.
Raise and move your feet during long periods of sitting in order to maintain blood circulation.
Conduct regular foot examinations: You should visit your doctor or podiatrist regularly for foot examinations and any necessary early treatment.