Diabetic Foot: Symptoms, Stages and Treatment Methods
Diabetic foot is a serious and common complication in diabetic patients that occurs when nerve and vascular damage develops in the foot due to long-term high blood sugar levels. Diabetic foot greatly affects the quality of life of patients, with consequences such as infection, non-healing wounds and even loss of limbs. Especially in big cities like Istanbul, access to diabetic foot treatment, choosing the right physician and conscious care are of great importance.
What is Diabetic Foot?
In diabetic patients, persistently high blood sugar levels over the years lead to damage to nerves (neuropathy) and blood vessels (ischemia). As a result of this damage, numbness, circulatory disorders and non-healing wounds can develop in the foot. Nerve damage causes the foot to become insensitive to minor trauma, while vascular damage leads to insufficient nourishment of the tissues. As a result, even a small cut can quickly become infected and develop into deep wounds.
Who Has Diabetic Foot?
- In patients with long-term diabetes
- Those with poor blood sugar control
- In patients with nerve damage or circulatory disorders
- In smokers
- Those who do not pay attention to foot hygiene
- Wearing inappropriate footwear
What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Foot?
Diabetic foot is often asymptomatic in the early stages; therefore regular foot examinations are very important. The main symptoms to watch out for are:
- Tingling, burning or numbness in the foot
- Dryness, cracking or discoloration of the skin
- Wounds, ulcers or blisters on the feet
- Wounds that do not heal after cuts, scratches or ingrown nails
- Deformities or deformations of the foot
- Sores with foul odor or discharge
- Redness, swelling and increased temperature in the foot
- Pain or tenderness in the foot
If even one of these symptoms is present, a diabetic foot specialist should be consulted immediately.
{
}Diabetic Foot Stages
Diabetic foot wounds are examined in various stages. In order for the treatment process to be successful, it is essential to determine which stage the wound is in. The commonly used Wagner Classification is as follows:
Wagner Classification
- Stage 0: No wound, foot at risk (e.g. deformity, callus)
- Stage 1: Superficial wound, not penetrated into deep tissue
- Stage 2: Wound is deep, reaching tendon, bone or joint
- Stage 3: Abscess or bone inflammation with deep wound
- Stage 4: Gangrene in one part of the foot
- Stage 5: Extensive gangrene of the entire foot
The stage of the wound directly affects the treatment protocol and the chances of healing.
Diabetic Foot Treatment Methods
The aim of diabetic foot treatment is to heal the wound and control the infection. Treatment should be carried out with a multidisciplinary approach:
1. Controlling Blood Sugar
The main step in treatment is to keep blood glucose levels within the ideal range. High blood sugar both prevents the wound from healing and increases the risk of infection.
Wound Care and Dressing
Professional wound care and proper dressing play a vital role in preventing infection. The wound should be kept moist with appropriate dressing products, infected tissues should be cleaned and tissue regeneration should be promoted.
3. Treatment of Infection
If there is an infection, appropriate antibiotic treatment is started. If necessary, culture is taken and treatment is directed.
4. Debridement (Dead Tissue Removal)
If there is necrotic (dead) tissue in the wound, it must be cleaned (debridement) by a specialist.
5. Restoring Circulation
Patients with vascular occlusion may require vasodilator interventions. Angiography and surgical interventions can be performed if necessary.
6. Pressure Protection
Special orthoses or bed rest is recommended to avoid pressure on the injured area. The use of orthopedic shoes or insoles is recommended.
7. Surgical Intervention
In advanced cases (such as gangrene), surgical interventions or even amputation (loss of a limb) may be necessary in rare cases.
Diabetic Foot Treatment and Expert Support in Istanbul
Istanbul stands out with its advanced health centers and expert physician staff in diabetic foot treatment. Assoc. Prof. Aytaç Çetinkaya and his team serve their patients with scientifically based and up-to-date treatment methods. Wound dressing, infection treatment, education and modern technological applications are carried out together.
Tips for Preventing Diabetic Foot Wounds
In order to prevent diabetic foot formation, the following recommendations must be followed:
- Do a daily foot examination and pay attention to even a small sore or discoloration.
- Wash your feet regularly with warm water and dry them thoroughly.
- Choose cotton socks and seamless, comfortable shoes.
- Protect your feet from extreme cold and heat.
- Cut your nails straight, prevent ingrown nails.
- Maintain regular blood sugar control.
- Do not smoke and drink alcohol.
- Go for regular doctor check-ups.
If diabetic foot is detected early and treated appropriately, the risk of serious complications and limb loss is significantly reduced. When symptoms are noticed, it is necessary to contact a diabetic foot specialist immediately. You can contact Doc. Dr. Aytaç Çetinkaya and his team for professional support in Istanbul.
