How to deal with Diabetic Foot?

Nowadays you must be hearing the word "Diabetic Foot" from people around. You must have also come to know that your friend's relative or acquaintance had a "Diabetic Foot" and a lot of treatment was done but in the end, the toe or the front part of the foot had to be amputated. After hearing the name "Diabetic Foot" repeatedly, your curiosity must have increased as to what does it mean?

What is the meaning of "Diabetic Foot"?

Severe pain, tingling, or a burning sensation in the feet can be early signs of Diabetic Foot, a serious complication of diabetes. If blisters appear or a wound caused by a minor injury fails to heal despite antibiotics and dressings, it indicates the condition is worsening. When the toes start turning dark or black, it suggests severe tissue damage. In the most advanced stage, known as Charcot Foot, the foot's shape changes, pain may lessen, and deformities such as bunions, corns, or red pressure marks appear—signs that the bones and joints in the foot have become severely damaged.

What to do if you have "Diabetic Foot"?

If you are a victim of "Diabetic Foot", then without wasting time consult an experienced vascular surgeon and get treatment under his supervision. Some important tests are required. Such as X-ray of the foot, Doppler test and CT Angiography. "Diabetic Foot Scan" has to be done to check neuropathy, and identification of pressure areas on soles. The correct treatment is determined on the basis of the results of all these tests. So always go to such hospitals where along with the 24-hour availability of a vascular surgeon, there is also facility of all these special tests.

What is the treatment modality in a "Diabetic Foot"?

If a diabetic patient has a wound or a smelly infection on his foot, then first of all the pus and infection have to be cleaned through surgery to prevent the infection from further spreading. Special medicines are given to control the infection. At the same time, angiography of the foot is done to check the present status of blood flow in the leg and foot. If there is a blockade in the blood pipe of the foot, then angioplasty and stenting are done to increase the blood flow in the foot as this will help in healing the wound. Often, the help of a special type of dressing (VAC dressing) is  taken. Sometimes skin grafting is done to heal the wound quickly. An attempt is made to save the foot or toes from being amputated.

Prevention is more important than treatment of "Diabetic Foot"

Every diabetic patient must try his best not to become a victim of "diabetic foot". That is why its prevention is more important than its treatment. Always avoid wearing chappals, sandals and slippers, either at home or outside. Always use cotton socks and soft shoes during day time. Never wear shoes without socks. Never walk barefooted either inside the home or on the grass in the park. Take a walk of 5 to 6 kilo meters daily. Do not increase your weight at all. Keep your blood sugar under control. Remember that uncontrolled sugar level in the blood plays an important role in causing "diabetic foot".

The writer is a Senior Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi. E-mail: drpandeykk@gmail.com