What is Diabetic Foot?
A patient suffering from diabetic foot is not able to feel their feet properly. There is an impairment of normal oil production and sweat secretion that helps in lubricating the skin of the foot. It is the infection, destruction or ulceration of deep tissues that is associated with neurological abnormality and peripheral vascular disease in the lower limb.
These factors lead to abnormal pressure on the skin, joints, and bones of a foot during walking and lead to the breakdown of skin that develops sores.
Diabetes causes impairment of the immune system that results in difficult healing of wounds. Bacterial infection in wounds occurs which results in gangrene development. Blood flow diminishes, hence the only treatment for this is amputation of the foot or leg. The spread of infection can be fatal.
What are the stages of development of Diabetic Foot?
Stages of ulcer development:
• Callus formation
• Subcutaneous hemorrhage
• Breakdown of the skin
• Deep foot infection
What are the factors causing Diabetic Foot?
Footwear:
• Ill-fitted shoes are one of the most common causes of diabetic foot.
• If the patient develops red and sore spots, blisters, corns or consistent pain associated with wearing shoes, the footwear must be changed as soon as possible.
Nerve damage:
• People with long-standing or uncontrolled diabetes are at risk of having damage to the nerves in their feet.
• Due to nerve damage, the patient may be unable to feel their feet normally while walking. A non-diabetic person who has normal nerves, usually senses if their footwear is rubbing on the feet or if one part of the foot is becoming strained while walking which a diabetic cannot feel properly.
• A person with diabetes may not be able to sense minor injuries which cause a further increase in damage.
Poor circulation:
• Diabetes causes hardening of the arteries. Blood flow reduces to injured tissues and alters the healing process.
Trauma to the foot:
• Any injury or trauma to the foot increases the risk of further problems.
Infections:
• Athlete’s foot can lead to more serious bacterial infections and should be treated on time.
• Ingrown toenails should be treated on time.
Smoking:
• Smoking causes damage to the small blood vessels. This damage disrupts the healing process and is a major risk factor for infections and amputations.
Risk factors:
• Medicines: Certain medications like steroids may decrease the body’s immune system which makes it difficult for the body to fight infection and heal itself.
• Poor nutrition: Not eating enough healthy foods can decrease the oxygen and blood flow to the feet.
• Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of blood vessel disease that can lead to foot ulcers.
• Weight: Increased weight increases the amount of force and pressure on feet.
What are the signs and symptoms of Diabetic Foot?
• Redness surrounding a wound
• Persistent pain.
• Pain in the legs or buttocks that increases with walking but improves with rest
• A sign of infection or inflammation in the area is warmer relatively.
• Drainage of pus and blood from a wound is usually a sign of infection.
• A limp or difficulty in walking
• Feet are numb -it is a sign of nerve affection.
• Swelling of the feet or legs.
• No hair growth on the lower legs and feet
• Hard shiny skin on the legs
• Fever or chills can be a sign of a limb-threatening or life-threatening infection.
• Redness spreading out from a wound is a sign of a progressively worsening infection.
What are the investigations advised for Diabetic Foot?
• Complete blood count to check infection.
• Kidney function tests, liver enzyme tests, electrolytes, and heart enzyme tests to check whether other body systems are working properly.
• X-rays to see damage to the bones or arthritis.
• Doppler ultrasound to see the blood flow in the lower extremities
What is the differential Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot?
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency
• Atherosclerosis
• Diabetic Foot Infections
What treatment is advised in cases of Diabetic Foot?
• Antibiotics
• Surgical debridement of the wound.
• Improvement of circulation through surgery or therapy.
What are the risk factors for Diabetic Foot?
• Limb loss is a major risk in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer.
• Mortality often results due to large vessel arteriosclerotic disease.
• Proper treatment and management have a good prognosis.
What are the complications of Diabetic foot?
• Infection of skin and bone because of bacteria if left untreated.
• Necrosis results due to poor oxygen and blood supply.
• Amputation of foot or leg.
What are the indicated Homeopathic remedies for Diabetic Foot?
Arsenicum album
Calcarea carbonica
Lachesis trig
Lacticum acidum
Nitricum acidum
Silicea terra
Thuja
What prevention is advised for Diabetic foot?
• Examine the foot daily.
• Report any minor injury or any abnormality in the foot to your physician.
• Eliminate obstacles in your way.
• Always trim your nails safely.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Exercise regularly for healthy joints and bones.
• Quit smoking.
• Control diabetes by proper diet and medicines.
