Diabetic Foot Ulcer is one of the most common and a serious complication of Diabetes, which might lead to Amputation. According to the research, Well over 80% of amputations in diabetic individuals begin with a foot ulcer. If a foot ulcer is not treated promptly, it could become infected, and amputation will be needed to minimize the risk of spreading infection. Although this may appear worrisome, the good news is that foot ulcers may be avoided with adequate diabetes treatment and foot care.
Some diabetics are more vulnerable than others. Factors that enhance the likelihood of an amputation include:
- History of foot ulcers
- Vision impairment
- Past amputation
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Corns or Calluses
- Smoking
- High blood sugar levels
- Poor blood circulation
- Foot deformities
- Nerve damage in foot
Find out how to maintain your feet healthy, how to recognize early warnings when you need to visit a doctor, and what you should expect if you require an amputation.
Preventing Foot Ulcers
Diabetes management is the most effective strategy to avoid problems such as foot ulcers. Diabetes Management involves eating a nutritious diet, exercising frequently, monitoring your blood sugar on a regular schedule, and taking your medication effectively.
Proper care of your feet will enable you to avoid complications. It can also guarantee that you seek medical care as soon as you notice a problem. Proper foot care involves:
1.Check your feet nearly everyday: Every day, inspect your feet for blisters, wounds, cracks, sores, redness, discomfort, or swelling. Use a hand mirror to observe the bottoms of your feet if you have difficulty reaching them. If holding the mirror is too cumbersome, place it on the floor or ask someone to assist you.
2.Trim your toenails with care: Trim your nails straight over. Sharp edges should be filed carefully using an emery board. If you find it difficult to cut your own nails, seek the aid of a caregiver.
3.Don’t go around barefoot: Avoid going barefoot, especially around the home, to protect your feet.
4.Put on clean, dry socks: Choose socks composed of sweat-wicking fibers, such as cotton and specific acrylic fibers, rather than nylon. Eliminate socks with tight elastic bands that restrict circulation and seams that may hurt your skin.
5.You should not smoke: Smoking limits the quantity of oxygen in your blood and affects circulation. These circulation issues might lead to more severe wounds and slower recovery. If you need assistance quitting smoking, consult your doctor.
6.Pick shoes that fit appropriately: Get supportive, cushioned shoes for the heels, arch, and base of the foot. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight and have high heels or thin shoes that squeeze your toes. Choose footwear in the larger size if one foot is larger compared to the other. Your doctor may instruct you to wear specially constructed shoes (orthopedic shoes) that suit the exact form of your feet, cushion them, and transfer weight appropriately.
7.Do not try to remove calluses or other foot sores on your own: Avoid using a nail file, nail clipper, or scissors on calluses, corns, bunions, or warts to avoid skin damage. Avoid using toxic wart removers. Any of these abnormalities should be removed by your doctor or a foot expert (podiatrist).
8.Wash your feet every day: Clean your feet with lukewarm water. Dry them carefully, particularly between the toes. And Gently massage the skin where calluses can form using a pumice stone. And to maintain a dry environment between your toes dry, use talcum powder or cornstarch. Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to the bottoms and tops of your feet to maintain the skin soft and healthy.
9.Plan regular foot checks: Your doctor can examine your feet for evidence of nerve damage, poor circulation, or other foot issues. Schedule foot exams at least once a year, or more frequently if your doctor suggests it.
Warning signs
Contact your doctor, If your feet have any of the following issues
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blisters
- Bleeding
- Open sore
- Discolored skin
- Bad odor
- Ulcers that lasts more than a week or two
- Ulcers bigger than 2CM
- Deep ulcers
- Sores that doesn’t heal
- Severe pain
- Warmth in one area
- Plantar warts
- Ingrown toenails
- Athlete’s foot
Treatment for Foot Ulcers
The provided treatment options for foot ulcers depend on the severity of the ulcer. In general, the therapy involves measures for removing the dead tissue or debris, cleaning the area, and promoting healing. Wounds must be checked on a regular basis, at least once every one to four weeks. When the problem causes serious tissue loss or a potentially fatal infection, amputation could be the only choice.
In the following procedure, a surgeon will extract the injured tissue while preserving as many healthy cells as possible. You will be monitored in the hospital for a period of time following surgery. Your lesion may require four to six weeks to heal fully. It is critical to stick to your diabetes care regimen even after amputation. Individuals who have undergone one amputation are more likely to have another.
Below mentioned are a few ways to prevent Amputation if you are dealing with Diabetes
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Reduce stress
- Exercise on routine basis
- Maintain healthy weight
- Check your blood sugar levels regularly
- Avoid sugar-sweetened juices
Diabetic foot ulcers are manageable if you control your diabetes and take good care of your feet. When you develop a foot ulcer, the key to avoiding an amputation is to get treatment as soon as possible. Limb salvage is a viable therapy option for diabetic foot ulcers with effective interventions. Diabetes can have major life-altering consequences if it affects your feet.
Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala of Flow Vascular Clinic is a well-known Interventional radiology expert in Hyderabad, as well as the city’s leading endovascular surgeon. His goal is to provide high-quality, personalized healthcare. In just 5 years, he has assisted 7000 people with his 7 years of experience in diagnostics and radiology. He has successfully treated thousands of patients suffering with Foot ulcers. His main objective is to provide customized high quality health care to all his patients. So if you are encountering any of the following signs or symptoms, make sure to contact our experts asap to schedule an appointment.