Foot Care

For more than 25 years, our patients have been treated with the highest level of care.The foot is one of the major organs that can get affected by diabetes. The Foot Clinic at Dr. Bhardwaj s Diabetes Specialities Centre is fully equipped with facilities for early detection and diagnosis of diabetes foot complications.

Diabetes foot complications are a group of conditions that affect the feet and lower extremities of individuals with diabetes. These complications arise due to a combination of factors, including nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation (peripheral artery disease), and impaired wound healing, all of which are common in people with diabetes. Diabetes foot complications can range from mild to severe and may lead to significant morbidity and even amputation if not promptly diagnosed and managed.

Here are some common diabetes foot complications:

1. Peripheral Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the nerves in the extremities, particularly the feet. It can cause tingling, burning, numbness, or loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult for individuals to detect injuries or wounds. Peripheral neuropathy increases the risk of foot injuries going unnoticed, leading to delayed treatment and potential complications.
2. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Peripheral artery disease is a condition characterized by reduced blood flow to the extremities, including the feet and legs. In people with diabetes, PAD can worsen due to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) and high blood sugar levels. Poor circulation impairs wound healing and increases the risk of developing ulcers and infections.
3. Foot Ulcers: Foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that develop on the feet, often as a result of trauma, pressure, or repetitive injury. In individuals with diabetes, foot ulcers are a common complication due to neuropathy, which diminishes the ability to feel pain or discomfort. Poor circulation further exacerbates the problem by impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues, hindering the healing process.
4. Infections: Diabetes-related foot ulcers are prone to infection due to the compromised immune response and impaired wound healing associated with the condition. Bacterial infections can lead to cellulitis (a skin infection), osteomyelitis (bone infection), or gangrene (tissue death), which may necessitate aggressive treatment, including antibiotics or surgical intervention.
5. Charcot Foot: Charcot foot, also known as Charcot arthropathy, is a serious condition characterized by progressive joint destruction and deformity in the foot and ankle. It typically occurs in individuals with peripheral neuropathy who continue to bear weight on a foot with an undetected injury or ulcer. Charcot foot can result in severe deformities, instability, and difficulty walking if left untreated.

Prevention and management of diabetes foot complications are critical for preserving foot health and preventing serious consequences. Some preventive measures and management strategies include:

• Daily foot inspection to check for cuts, blisters, sores, or other abnormalities.
• Proper foot care, including washing and drying feet thoroughly, moisturizing dry skin, and trimming toenails carefully.
• Wearing well-fitting, supportive footwear and avoiding shoes that cause pressure or friction.
• Maintaining good blood sugar control through healthy eating, regular exercise, and medication adherence.
• Seeking prompt medical attention for any foot injuries, wounds, or signs of infection.
• Regular foot exams by a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with diabetes-related risk factors.

Overall, proactive foot care and early intervention are essential for reducing the risk of diabetes foot complications and preserving foot function and mobility in individuals living with diabetes. By incorporating preventive measures and seeking timely medical care, individuals with diabetes can minimize the impact of foot complications and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.