Diabetic Foot Diseases
An acute bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the skin and the tissues beneath it, characterised by symptoms such as redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area.
A localized collection of pus brought on by an infection is called an abscess. Though it can occur anywhere on the body, the skin is where it most frequently appears.
Necrotizing fasciitis, commonly referred to as "flesh-eating disease," is a severe bacterial infection that leads to the rapid destruction of soft tissue, particularly the fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.
Blisters are small pockets of fluid that form on the skin due to friction, burns, or other irritants. While they are common, diabetic patients need to take extra care as blisters can easily become infected and lead to serious complications.
When a body tissue dies from a severe bacterial infection or from inadequate blood flow, it is called gangrene.
Nonhealing ulcers are chronic wounds that do not heal properly, often due to poor circulation, neuropathy, or underlying medical conditions like diabetes. These ulcers can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
An Achilles tendon rupture is an injury characterised by a complete or partial tear of the Achilles tendon, which is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone
Gastrosoleus tightening refers to the stiffness or contracture of the calf muscles, which can lead to discomfort and limited range of motion in the ankle.
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse, injury, or underlying health conditions.
Any bone in the body, including the bones in the foot, can develop osteomas, which are benign bone tumors.
Osteomyelitis is a bone infection secondary to bacteria or fungi affecting the bone, either through bloodstream or spread from nearby infection. Commonly happens in diabetic foot ulcers of long duration
Foot swelling or Pedal Edema, can result from local conditions such as infections, trauma, or skin diseases, as well as generalized conditions like cardiac, renal, or liver issues. It may also occur due to venous insufficiency or anemia. Persistent swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
A dangerous ailment that damages the ankle's soft tissues, bones, and joints, Charcot's foot is frequently observed in diabetic individuals who have neuropathy.
Foot drop is a disorder in which a person experiences paralysis or muscle weakness that makes it difficult for them to lift the front portion of their foot.
Muscle paralysis in the feet can result from nerve damage, injury, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
Corn is a small, painful area of thickened skin that forms on the foot, typically as a result of pressure or friction, characterized by a central core of hard skin surrounded by inflamed tissue. Corn is common in diabetic patient secondary to altered foot pressure dynamics
Callus is a thickened and hardened area of skin that forms in response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation, as a protective mechanism for the underlying tissues. Calluses commonly develop on the feet in diabetic patients secondary to altered foot pressure dynamics.
Dry skin on the feet is a common condition that can lead to discomfort, cracking, and infections if not properly managed. Diabetic patients are particularly prone to dry skin due to poor circulation and neuropathy.
Bunion or Hallux valgus is a bony bump at the base of the big toe, formed when the first metatarsal bone shifts out of alignment, causing the big toe to angle toward the second toe. This condition can be painful and may result in swelling, redness, and difficulty wearing shoes.
Morton's neuroma is a painful condition where tissue thickens around a nerve in the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It causes sharp pain, tingling, or numbness and is often linked to wearing tight shoes. Treatment includes footwear changes, orthotics, and in severe cases, injections or surgery
Skin discolorations on the foot may be a sign of a number of underlying medical disorders, such as skin diseases, infections, or poor circulation. Patients with diabetes should be especially watchful because skin discolorations may indicate problems.
Claw toe is a condition where the toes bend into a claw-like position due to muscle imbalance, often caused by nerve damage, diabetes, or wearing ill-fitting shoes.
Hammertoe is a deformity where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, causing a hammer-like appearance.
A subungual hematoma, also known as a nail hematoma, is an accumulation of blood under the nail that is usually the result of trauma or damage. This ailment may result in severe pressure, pain, and nail discolouration.
Nail deformities can occur due to various factors, including trauma, fungal infections, systemic diseases, and congenital conditions.
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling.
Onychomycosis, another name for fungus nail infections, is a frequent ailment that results in thick, discolored, and brittle nails.
Pincer nail is a condition where the sides of the nail curl inward, resembling the shape of a pincer or trumpet.
Brittle nails are characterized by nails that easily crack, split, or break. This condition can result from aging, frequent exposure to water or chemicals, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health issues.
Warts are small, grainy skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the body, including the feet, and can be particularly painful if located on weight-bearing areas.
Inflammation of the thick band of tissue that crosses the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia, is the cause of plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel discomfort.
Burning soles or paresthesia, often associated with diabetic neuropathy, is a common symptom experienced by many diabetics. This condition arises from nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels, leading to sensations such as tingling, burning, or numbness, particularly in the feet
Rest pain refers to pain that occurs when the feet are at rest, often indicating poor circulation or neuropathy. This type of pain can significantly impact quality of life and requires proper management.
Flat foot, also known as fallen arches, is a condition where the arches of the feet are low or nonexistent, leading to foot pain and potential mobility issues.
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, often starting between the toes. It can cause significant discomfort and spread to other areas if not treated promptly.
High arch foot, also known as pes cavus, is a condition where the arch of the foot is raised higher than normal. This can lead to various issues such as pain, instability, and increased risk of ankle sprains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetic foot ulcer occurs in individuals with diabetes secondary to prolonged high blood sugar levels as well as the following 2 primary conditions.
Neuropathy (nerve damage) can cause loss of sensation in the feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or infections.
Peripheral arterial disease (poor blood circulation) reduces blood flow, slowing down the healing process and increasing the risk of infections.
Diabetic foot ulcers can happen in 15% of diabetic patients and it proceeds 85% of all lower leg amputations.
But early treatment and intervention can prevent 85% of the diabetic foot amputations
Apart from prolonged high blood sugar, neuropathy and peripheral arterial diseases other predisposing factors for diabetic foot ulcers include
- Cartilage abnormalities
- Skin abnormalities
- Structural abnormalities of the foot
- Poor blood glucose control
- Long duration of diabetes
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Defective vision due to diabetes, cataract
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- Redness and warmth in the affected area
- Persistent pain or tenderness
- Sores or ulcers that do not heal
- Changes in skin color and temperature
Maintain good blood sugar control
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Regular foot examinations at your diabetic center.
- Daily self-examination of foot and maintaining a foot care routine.
Purchase a toe covering footwear with heel strap
- Avoid heels and crowded toe box
- Purchase shoe in the evenings when the size of the feet would be the biggest due to slight oedema if any
- Use separate footwear for inhouse and external use
- Change your footwear every 6 months or earlier if there are signs of wear & tear.
