Diabetics are at an increased risk of limb loss. This potential complication from the medical condition is one of the reasons why individuals diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should have their feet checked regularly by a doctor.
Diabetic foot care is specialized care for diabetics, with the goal of early intervention and limb preservation. Diabetes can cause issues such as infection and foot ulcers from small cuts and wounds, which is why getting prompt care is essential.
In this article, we talk more about diabetic foot care and where you can go in South Texas for quality diabetic foot management.
The Importance of Diabetic Foot Care
Diabetes damages the nerves in the feet, which can cause sensory issues. Meaning, the individual may not notice broken skin on their foot. Combined with poor blood circulation, it may impair skin repair, increasing the risk of complications.
A thorough foot examination by a foot and ankle doctor or podiatrist can help identify breaks to the skin, as well as nerve damage. It is recommended that individuals with diabetes have regular foot check-ups to ensure issues are caught and treated as early as possible.
Diabetic foot care is important due to the following:
Early Detection
A visit to the podiatrist allows the podiatrist to identify early signs of diabetic foot issues.
The doctor can monitor the skin for any changes and check for the following:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Sores and cuts
- Thickened skin and nails
- Changes in the shape of the foot
Prevention of Foot Ulcers
A podiatrist can play a crucial role in helping individuals prevent diabetic foot ulcer formation. Through regular foot examinations, they can identify any potential risk factors and provide personalized recommendations for foot care, which may include:
- Proper foot hygiene
- Proper toenail trimming
- Guidance on appropriate footwear
- Foot screenings
- Offloading techniques
Podiatrists can also check for potential causes of diabetic foot issues and do the following:
Biomechanical assessment – Examine the foot structure of the patient, including the arches and alignment, and possible deformities of the toes. Assessing foot biomechanics helps identify areas of increased pressure that can lead to ulcers.
Gait Analysis – Observing how the patient walks to evaluate gait abnormalities or imbalances that may increase the risk of pressure points and ulcer formation.
Podiatrists can also help patients manage their diabetes effectively, offering advice on blood sugar control and lifestyle modifications. By addressing these factors, they can help reduce a patient’s risk of developing foot ulcers.
Treatment of Diabetic Wounds and Foot Ulcers
Any wound is considered serious when it comes to diabetics. A podiatrist can perform proper wound care to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. They can use various dressings such as hydrogels or foams to create a moist wound environment and protect the wound from further damage.
The podiatrist can also perform wound debridement for diabetic ulcers, which involves removing dead or infected tissue from the ulcerated area. This promotes healing by creating a clean wound bed.
Offloading techniques, which redistribute pressure away from the wound/ulcer site, are also important in allowing diabetic wounds or ulcers to heal.
Some techniques used include:
- Total contact casting
- Removable cast walkers
- Offloading shoes
- Pressure-relieving insoles, such as custom orthotics
- Non-weight bearing devices
Foot Screenings
Podiatrists may conduct various tests to assess nerve health and blood flow in the lower extremities:
- Sensory Testing – Podiatrists may use tools like monofilaments or vibratory testing to evaluate the sensation in the feet. This helps detect any loss of protective sensation, a significant risk factor for foot ulcers.
- Vascular Assessment – Poor blood flow to the feet can impede wound healing. Podiatrists may assess vascular status using techniques such as Doppler ultrasound, ankle-brachial index (ABI) testing, or toe-brachial index (TBI) testing to evaluate blood flow and identify any circulation issues.
Limb Salvage or Reconstructive Foot Surgery
Limb salvage is a surgical approach that aims to preserve the limbs instead of amputation for patients with severe diabetic infections. The most highly trained podiatrists can remove dead tissue and replace damaged bone in an advanced and complex surgery that involves artificial parts and bone grafts. The end result is a reconstructed limb that allows for continued mobility and function.
Amputation
Gangrene is characterized by tissue death resulting from a severe infection and lack of blood flow. Podiatrists can perform amputation to prevent the spread of the infection. However, it is important to note that amputations can be prevented, and foot doctors can monitor infections for tissue death and avoid surgery to remove the limb.
Diabetic Foot Care in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, and Live Oak, TX
For comprehensive diabetic foot care services, choose The Podiatry Group of South Texas. Our foot and ankle surgeons are experienced in diabetic foot management and can address serious diabetic foot complications. We have over 20 years of experience caring for the feet of individuals with diabetes.
To schedule an appointment for diabetic foot care, call our podiatry office near you or use our online form to schedule your visit. Our team of foot and ankle specialists looks forward to helping you.
