When an individual is diagnosed with either type of diabetes, they become part of a demographic prone to increased foot risk. Diabetic patients often become vulnerable to complications such as open sores and infections, which can increase the risk to their well-being. In Severe cases, they can lead to amputations caused by poor blood circulation.
This is why it is essential to consult with specialists at one of the best diabetic clinics in Siliguri, such as KINS Diabetes. With regular foot checkups and the excellent care of the experienced doctors, many patients have kept these complications and conditions at bay successfully.
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The major reason for the increased risk of foot diseases or conditions in diabetic individuals is due to a lack of proper blood circulation (peripheral vascular disease) or nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). As the nerves of a diabetic patient experience constant pressure due to the constant high blood pressure, they have a higher chance of developing neuropathy in the foot region, which also impacts the blood flow negatively.
In some cases, these can lead to foot ulcers or infections, or a combination of both, which later need to be treated with amputation. However, with a proper treatment plan and good diabetes management, these can be avoided.
Consult a Diabetic Foot Consultant in Siliguri to Recognize and Manage These Common Foot Issues:
Due to a weakened immune system caused by diabetes, there is an increased risk of developing fungal infections in the foot. These also cause the nails to become yellowish, thick and very brittle.
These are hard skin build-ups found underside of feet, which are caused by increased pressure. The pressure is also paired with skin dryness, which increases the amount of buildup.
Blisters are usually formed when shoes rub a region of the foot regularly, causing a swelling filled with fluid. Diabetic patients are at a high risk of infection if this blister is popped.
Corns are hard skin buildups usually found between toes, which are caused by friction between them. These corns increase the risk of infections and the formation of foot ulcers.
Bunions are a condition where the big toes incline towards the second toes. The neuropathy caused by diabetes can cause these conditions by damaging and altering the foot structure.
Foot ulcers are deep sores which may also break through the skin. These people have a higher chance of getting infected and causing complications for diabetic people with diabetes.
This is also connected to the fungal infection, which causes severe itching, skin cracking and redness. These have a higher chance of infection and can cause complications for diabetic people with diabetes.
As discussed, the two major reasons diabetes patients face foot diseases and conditions are nerve damage and low blood circulation. Let us look into each of the causes in detail to get a better understanding:
With the heightened pressure caused by high blood sugar levels, the nerves in the hands and feet are damaged. This often causes numbness and weakness in the feet, causing a delay in identification and diagnosis.
Most diabetic patients tend to develop PAD, which negatively impacts the blood flow in the legs and the feet. This is one of the major regions where diabetic patients tend to feel less sensation in the foot region, making them prone to issues such as soreness and limiting the pace of healing.
The signs of diabetic foot diseases are not very prominent and need to be identified with the help of a Diabetic foot specialist in Siliguri. However, there are some minor signs one can keep a lookout for. Here is a compact list of major symptoms:
The complications caused by diabetic foot often lead patients to hospitals and are mainly caused by peripheral vascular disease, infection, and delayed wound healing. Let us look into some other complications caused by foot diseases.
Poor blood circulation accompanied by repeated trauma in specific regions of the foot slows down the healing process.
Deep foot ulcers may cause infection of the bones, often requiring surgery for treatment.
Neuropathy progressively damages bones and joints, accompanied by redness, swelling, and possible deformities.
Severe infection or limb ischemia can result in gangrene, sometimes requiring amputation for effective treatment.
When it comes to diabetic foot conditions, most of the diagnosis is done through a physical examination. Diabetes specialists in Siliguri can provide insight into the damage of infections by analysing them directly. If a patient suffers from ulcers or blisters, they may be suggested to go through MRIs or X-rays to get more insight. In cases of discolourations and discharge of pus, doctors may also suggest a biopsy to rule out the possibility of cancer.
Try to maintain your blood sugar levels with the help of an effective treatment plan and guidance from your specialist.
Keep your feet clean by washing, drying, and moisturizing them regularly to prevent infections.
Inspect your feet frequently for blisters, calluses, corns, or any abnormalities to prevent complications.
Regularly trim your toenails to avoid infections or ingrown nails that can lead to further complications.
Smoking limits blood flow, which increases the risk of foot conditions and complications in diabetic patients.
