Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aytaç Çetinkaya
Attention to the Danger of Diabetic Foot!
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect many systems in our body. One of the most common and serious complications of uncontrolled diabetes is “diabetic foot”, which occurs in the feet. High blood sugar can lead to nerve and vascular damage in the feet, causing even small wounds to develop into serious infections. This can lead to gangrene and, unfortunately, limb loss.
Why is Diabetic Foot So Dangerous?
Diabetic foot is caused by a combination of two main problems: nerve damage (neuropathy) and vascular disease (peripheral arterial disease):
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Diabetes can affect the nerves in the feet and cause loss of sensation. In this case, small cuts, wounds or irritations on the feet may not be noticed. Since pain is not felt, no action is taken until the problem grows.
- Vascular Disease (Peripheral Arterial Disease): Diabetes can reduce blood flow by narrowing the vessels that carry blood to the feet. This makes it harder for wounds to heal and increases the risk of infection.
Stages of Diabetic Foot: Take the Situation Seriously
Diabetic foot is divided into stages with the Wagner Classification. This staging is important in determining treatment methods:
- There is integrity of the skin but risk factors are present.
- Stage 1: Superficial ulcer. There is a superficial wound on the skin.
- Stage 2: Deep ulcer. The wound has progressed to the subcutaneous tissues.
- Stage 3: Ulcer with bone involvement. The wound has reached the bone.
- Stage 4: Limited gangrene. Gangrene has developed in one or more of the toes.
- Stage 5: Extensive gangrene. There is gangrene of the entire foot or a large part of it.
Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious problems in the later stages.
Who is at Risk? Know Yourself!
If you have any of the following conditions, you have a higher risk of developing diabetic foot:
- Having diabetes
- Loss of sensation or numbness in the feet
- Symptoms of poor circulation in the feet
- Having had a diabetic foot wound before
- Not keeping diabetes under control
- Smoking
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Obesity
- Being over 60 years of age
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot: Catch Early Warning Signals!
Recognizing the symptoms of diabetic foot early is critical to start treatment. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
- Numbness, tingling or pain in the feet
- Loss of sensation in the feet
- Color changes in the feet (redness, bruising, pallor)
- Swelling in the feet
- Temperature increase or decrease in the feet
- Wounds, cuts or blisters on the feet that do not go away
- Thickening or deformity of toenails
- Fungal infections of the feet
- Bad odor in the feet
Diabetic Foot Treatment: A Multifaceted Approach
Diabetic foot treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment methods are determined by the stage of the wound, the presence of infection and the degree of circulatory disturbance.
- Wound Care: Wound cleaning, removal of dead tissues (debridement) and use of appropriate wound dressings are important.
- Infection Treatment: If there is an infection, antibiotic treatment is applied.
- Reducing Pressure: Special shoes or orthotics can be used to reduce the pressure on the wound.
- Improving Circulation: If there is vascular occlusion, blood flow is tried to be restored by methods such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: In some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be applied to accelerate wound healing.
- In advanced cases, surgery may be needed to remove gangrenous tissues or to prevent limb loss.
Diabetic Foot Care: Life Saving Measures
Regular and proper care is essential to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Check your feet every day: Examine your feet carefully every day. Check for cuts, wounds, blisters, redness or swelling.
- Wash your feet every day: Wash your feet with warm water and mild soap. Check the temperature of the water with your elbow.
- Dry your feet thoroughly: Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Fungal infection may develop in areas that remain moist.
- Moisturize your feet: Dryness can cause cracks. Moisturize your feet with a moisturizing cream. However, do not apply cream between the toes.
- Cut your nails straight: Cut your nails straight and do not round the corners. Be careful to prevent ingrown nail formation.
- Choose the right shoes: Choose shoes that are comfortable, soft and do not squeeze your feet. Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid walking barefoot.
- Change your socks regularly: Wear cotton or woolen, sweat-absorbing socks and change them every day.
- Do not smoke: Smoking reduces blood flow to the feet by constricting blood vessels.
- Exercise regularly: Exercise improves blood circulation and helps control sugar.
- Go for regular check-ups: Have your feet checked regularly by your doctor.
Remember: Early Diagnosis and Proper Care Saves Lives!
Diabetic foot is a preventable complication. Early diagnosis, regular care and proper treatment can prevent limb loss. Take care of your feet, keep your diabetes under control and stay healthy!
