Diabetic foot is a serious complication that many diabetic patients face. Elevated blood sugar levels cause damage to nerves and blood vessels, making the feet particularly vulnerable and less sensitive. The combination of such disorders contributes to the development of infectious processes, inflammatory reactions in the structure of the feet, swelling, the formation of ulcers and black toenails. Ignoring the first signs of the disease can lead to serious consequences, up to amputation.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet, especially if you have diabetes, seeing a specialist is essential. Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, where podiatric surgeon Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, is a leading specialist, offers comprehensive approaches to preventing and treating diabetic foot.
Types of Diabetic Foot Conditions
With diabetes, there are several types of complications that can develop on the feet, and without timely treatment, lead to serious consequences.
Let's take a look at the most common ones:
- Foot Ulcer: appears due to skin lesions that can become deep wounds. Due to poor circulation in diabetics, ulcers heal slowly, which creates a risk of infection. If a foot ulcer is not treated in time, it can lead to bone infection (osteomyelitis) and amputation.
- Charcot Foot: manifests itself by weakening the bones and joints of the foot, setting the stage for deformity. Due to decreased sensation, patients may not notice the damage, continuing to walk on the affected foot, which exacerbates the problem - the foot loses its anatomical shape.
- Neuropathy in Foot: Neuropathy is nerve damage that results in loss of sensation in the feet. Patients may not feel pain or temperature changes, causing them to not notice wounds, sores or other injuries. Neuropathy can also cause itching, burning or tingling sensations, which greatly interfere with the patient's normal life.
It is important for diabetic patients to examine their feet regularly, and see a doctor at the first sign of problems.
Causes of Diabetic Foot Problems
Diabetic foot is the result of various factors, the combination of which significantly increases the risk of developing complications of diabetes.
The main factors are as follows:
- Poor blood circulation in the lower extremities
- Damage to the nerves (neuropathy)
- Fungal and bacterial infections
- Immunodeficiency
There are other causes of diabetic foot problems, and with proper care and timely medical attention, they can be controlled.
Symptoms and Signs
Diabetic foot symptoms can appear gradually, and it is important to pay attention to even minor changes.
The main signs and symptoms are as follows:
- Pain: dull, sharp, constant or intermittent, when walking or at rest
- Itching and burning sensation
- Swelling of the foot
- Black Toenails
- Sores on Bottom of Feet
- Flaky and cracking skin
- Numbness or decreased sensation in the feet
- Changes in the shape of the foot
- Redness and increased skin temperature in the affected area
If you notice some of these symptoms, it is important not to delay a visit to a specialist.
Diagnostics: Understanding the Condition
Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin early in the development of diabetic foot and prevent the development of serious complications. At Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, we use modern diagnostic methods aimed at a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's feet.
Key diagnostic steps include:
Foot Examination
The doctor will carefully examine the feet for sores, calluses, cracks, redness, swelling and deformities, apply various tests, check the sensitivity of the feet to various stimuli (temperature, touch, vibration) using special instruments. The doctor will also assess the pulsation of the arteries in the foot to determine the degree of circulatory disturbance.
Blood tests: determination of blood glucose concentration, cholesterol levels and other parameters that may influence the development of diabetic foot.
Additional tests
- X-rays: to assess the condition of the bones of the foot and detect signs of deformity or fractures.
- Ultrasound: to assess blood flow in the vessels of the foot and detect atherosclerotic plaques.
- MRI or CT: studies that provide detailed images of the soft tissues and bones of the foot.
Diagnostic results allow the doctor to: confirm the diagnosis of diabetic foot, determine the stage of the disease and the degree of tissue damage; identify associated diseases (infections, foot deformities), and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Diabetic Foot
Seeing a doctor early allows you to start treatment early and prevent serious complications from developing. At Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Alex Yanovskiy, DPM, will customize a comprehensive treatment plan to keep your feet healthy.
Main treatment options
Preventive foot care:
- daily inspection of the feet for lesions;
- thorough hygiene using mild detergents;
- regular moisturizing of the skin of the feet with special creams;
- selection of proper footwear and socks to prevent friction and pressure.
Prevention of ulcers:
- wearing special orthopedic shoes that reduce pressure on problem areas of the foot;
- using special insoles or bandages to protect damaged or sensitive areas;
- treating wounds and ulcers, using special wound dressings to speed up healing.
Treatment of infections:
- if infected sores or wounds are present, antibacterial drugs and regular dressings are prescribed. In some cases, hospitalization may be required for more intensive treatment, especially if the infection threatens to spread.
Surgical treatment:
- in cases of complications such as Charcot foot, deformities or deep ulcers, surgical treatment may be required. This may include rebuilding bone structures, removing infected tissue, or amputating affected toes to prevent the spread of infection.
The specialists at Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic utilize modern, minimally traumatic surgical techniques to promote rapid patient recovery. The sooner you seek help, the better the chances of avoiding serious complications and keeping your feet healthy.