Diabetic foot – complications, symptoms and treatments

Poorly  controlled diabetes for years can have several health consequences. One of them is even diabetic foot , which is nothing more than a wound or an infected area on the feet that takes large proportions, developing a wound.

Diabetic foot is an association of lack of circulation (due to aggression to the arteries of the legs) and neuropathy (mainly), leading to foot deformity, ulcers and lack of sensitivity in them.

According to the Brazilian Society of Endocrinologists and Metabology (SBEM), it is estimated that half of patients over 60 years old have diabetic foot . Next, learn what the causes are and how to avoid the problem.

When the problem starts: 

Not all diabetics will develop diabetic foot . For this to happen, the disease must be poorly controlled for years.

These changes in the feet are usually caused by neuropathy (which is damage to the nerves in the body) and, if left untreated, the problem can lead to amputation of the limb.

“The damage to the nerves due to the high level of glucose tends to cause insensitivity in the feet and, thus, the diabetic may not feel any injury and leave it serious without treating it”.

Diabetic foot symptoms: 

When one or more of these symptoms have been identified in the lower limbs, consult a doctor soon:

• burning ;
• Numbness ;
• cramp ;
• Muscle atrophy;
• Deformity;
• Dryness of the skin ;
• Gradual loss of sensation in the feet;

Diabetic foot prevention:

The best way to prevent diabetic foot is to attack the source of the problem, ie keep glucose under control. “Prevention is keeping diabetes under control and paying special attention to the feet, always inspecting them in search of skin or nail injuries that could get worse.

It is also essential to seek a doctor whenever they are to start treatment as early as possible”. Other precautions can also be added to the daily routine:

• Watch your feet daily for sores , blisters and cracks;
• When you wash your feet, you need to dry them well. A humid environment favors the proliferation of fungi that can cause a bad smell;
• Nails should be trimmed weekly with a straight file, avoiding cutting them. Avoid removing calluses. For this, look for a pedologist;
• Wear comfortable shoes to avoid possible injuries;
• Avoid shoes with thin toes;
• Wear seamless cotton socks;
• Do not use hot water bags on your feet and avoid soaking them in water;
• Check that there are no foreign bodies in the socks and shoes before using them;
• See a vascular surgeon regularly;

Treatment: 

If the problem is installed, the first thing to do is to look for an angiologist or vascular surgeon . These experts will know how to handle your problem. Basically, to aid in the healing of foot ulcers, first of all, you need to control your blood sugar levels through oral medications or insulin.

For better circulation , the doctor may prescribe medication specially. In more severe cases, the specialist may request surgical intervention.

Note : Diabetes -related foot problems can get worse quickly and are difficult to treat, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention.