Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Care: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment at Hospital CMQ
Understanding Diabetic Foot: From Ulcers to Neuropathy
Diabetic foot complications are a major health issue affecting thousands of people with diabetes each year. Moreover, left untreated, these complications can escalate from minor wounds to severe infections. However, many of these issues can be effectively managed or even prevented with early intervention and expert care. Studies show timely foot care and management can significantly reduce complications, lowering the risk of amputation by up to 85%.
Approximately 15% of diabetic patients in the U.S. will experience a diabetic foot ulcer at
some point in their lives. You can prevent this! Book your appointment today!
Diabetic foot complications are a significant concern in the U.S. due to the rising prevalence of diabetes. At Hospital CMQ. our team of specialized physicians provides comprehensive diabetic foot care, focusing on advanced treatment, preventive measures, and compassionate support. Our goal is to help you maintain your foot health, avoid complications, and enjoy a better quality of life. So, keep reading, meet our specialists, and book your appointment today!
What is Diabetic Foot?
Diabetic foot refers to a range of foot problems that can occur in people with diabetes due to poor circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy). Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can impair blood flow, particularly to the extremities, and damage nerves. This results in reduced sensation in the feet, meaning small injuries or sores might go unnoticed and worsen over time.
Nonetheless, preventive care, like regular foot inspections, proper footwear, and managing blood sugar levels, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of diabetic foot complications. At Hospital CMQ, our podiatric and vascular medicine experts work to prevent, diagnose, and treat the diabetic foot, with a comprehensive approach that includes wound care and management and various treatment options.
Meet Our Doctors Who Diagnose and Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers
At Hospital CMQ, we have a highly trained team of podiatrists and angiologists specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot.
Podiatrists Treating Diabetic Foot at Hospital CMQ
At Hospital CMQ, our skilled podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating diabetic foot ulcers with an emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and effective wound care. The focus is on areas like callus and nail care, and foot structure. Likewise, they will provide personalized foot care plans, including managing neuropathy issues, recommending proper footwear, and teaching you preventing foot care practices.
Angiologists Treating Diabetic Foot at Hospital CMQ
Our angiologists at Hospital CMQ are dedicated to addressing circulatory issues that contribute to diabetic foot complications, such as poor blood flow and peripheral artery disease (PAD). They specialize in diagnosing and treating vascular issues in diabetic patients. Moreover, they offer therapies to improve circulation, enhance wound healing, and reduce infection risk.
Causes and Risk Factors of the Diabetic Foot
As mentioned before, diabetic foot results from a combination of nerve damage, poor circulation, unbalanced blood sugar levels, and a weakened immune response. Here are some of the main causes and risk factors that contribute to the development of diabetic foot:
- Diabetic Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves, especially in the feet. This nerve damage, leads to a loss of sensation, meaning that small injuries can go unnoticed.
- Poor Circulation: Diabetes can cause blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow to the extremities. Poor circulation slows down the healing process, increasing the risk of infection.
- Infection and Poor Healing: Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections.
- Poor Management of Diabetes: The longer someone has diabetes, especially if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, the greater the risk of developing diabetic foot complications.
- Previous Ulcers or Amputations: Patients with a history of foot ulcers or amputations are at higher risk for future complications.
- Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly can create friction, blisters, or pressure points that can quickly worsen in individuals with decreased sensation or poor circulation.
Awareness of these causes and risk factors is essential for people with diabetes, as preventive foot care and regular medical check-ups can help mitigate the risk of developing serious diabetic foot complications.
How to Recognize Serious Foot Issues in Diabetes
Recognizing and preventing serious foot issues is critical for people with diabetes, as they are more prone to complications. Here are some key ways to identify and reduce the risk of serious foot problems:
- Loss of Sensation: Numbness or tingling in the feet can indicate neuropathy. People with diabetes should be attentive to changes in sensation, such as a reduced ability to feel hot, cold, or pain.
- Changes in Skin Color and Temperature: Redness, warmth, or swelling may signal infection or inflammation, while discoloration could indicate poor circulation. Both need immediate medical attention.
- Foot Deformities: Calluses or changes in foot shape due to neuropathy on the foot make it easier for ulcers to form. These should be monitored closely for any signs of irritation or damage.
- Wounds and Ulcers That Don’t Heal: Cuts, blisters, or sores that persist or worsen are significant concerns in people with diabetes. Any wound that doesn’t begin to heal within a few days should be examined by a healthcare professional.
By recognizing these signs early, people with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of developing severe foot complications. Reach out to our team of experts for more information, preventative strategies, and treatment options.
Stages of Diabetic Foot
Diabetic foot progresses in several stages, from early signs to advanced complications. The Meggitt-Wagner classification system is commonly used to stage diabetic foot ulcers and helps experts assess the severity and depth of each ulcer, helping guide treatment options and predict patient outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of each stage in the classification:
Grade 0 – No Open Ulcer, High-Risk Foot
At this stage, there are no visible ulcers, but the foot shows signs of high risk, such as bunions, calluses, or thickened skin. Preventive care is critical here to avoid progression.
Grade 1 – Superficial Ulcers
The ulcers at this stage are superficial, affecting only the outermost layer of skin. Early intervention with wound care is important to prevent the ulcer from deepening.
Grade 2 – Deep Ulcers
At grade 2, the ulcer extends deeper into the skin and may reach tendons, ligaments, or joints. However, it does not involve bone or show signs of infection. This level requires more intensive wound care to remove dead tissue and prevent infection.
Grade 3 – Deep Ulcers with Infection
Here, the ulcer has reached a critical stage, involving deeper structures such as the bone. Infection is already present and it requires urgent medical intervention. Treatment includes antibiotics and possible surgery to prevent further spread.
Grade 4 – Localized Gangrene
This stage indicates that part of the foot has developed gangrene due to poor blood supply and infection. This mostly happens on the toes or the forefoot. Treatm
Grade 5 – Extensive Gangrene of the Entire Foot
At Grade 5, gangrene has spread to a large portion of the foot, often requiring major amputation. This stage represents the most severe level of diabetic foot.
Diabetic Foot Amputation
Diabetic foot amputation is an extreme consequence or measure resulting from the progression of diabetes. When the diabetic foot reaches advanced stages, such as deep infections or gangrene, and does not respond to treatments, amputation may be necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the body.
However, amputation is a last resort and is usually recommended for extreme cases. For example, when blood circulation is extremely poor, the foot has necrosis, gangrene or irreversible infections. For this reason, amputation is a critical intervention measure that seeks to halt the progression of the disease when other treatments or alternatives have failed.
Diabetic Foot Treatment, Comprehensive and Multidisciplinary Approach in Hospital CMQ
At Hospital CMQ, diabetic foot treatment follows a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that addresses the unique needs of each patient. Our team of specialists, including podiatrists and angiologists work together to manage both the symptoms and root causes of diabetic foot complications. For this reason, this integrated approach allows us to deliver personalized care, starting from wound cleaning to infection management and circulation improvement.
Moreover, this multidisciplinary strategy emphasizes preventive care and patient education, which are essential to long-term foot health in individuals with diabetes. Additionally, our patients receive guidance on foot care routines, appropriate footwear, and blood sugar management to reduce the risk of recurrence. By offering this comprehensive and proactive approach, we aim to enhance your quality of life, reduce the likelihood of severe complications, and, ultimately, lower your risk of amputation.
Expert Tips: Reducing the Risk of Infections, Ulcers, and Amputation
- Daily Foot Inspections: Conducting a thorough daily foot check can help catch minor issues before they become serious. Look for signs of blisters, cuts, or redness, particularly in hard-to-see areas like between the toes.
- Proper Foot Hygiene: Keeping feet clean and dry is essential for preventing infections. Regular washing with warm water and drying can prevent fungal and bacterial infections.
- Moisturizing: Diabetes can cause dry skin, leading to cracking and infections. Using a gentle moisturizer can help keep skin healthy.
- Wear Well-Fitted Shoes: Poorly fitted shoes can cause blisters and ulcers. Investing in shoes designed for diabetic foot care or adding a custom shoe insole can minimize these risks.
- Regular Medical Checkups: Routine visits to a podiatrist or healthcare provider can help detect and manage foot issues. We recommend monthly foot exams to help catch problems before they escalate.
- Blood Sugar Control: Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is foundational to reducing nerve damage and poor circulation, both of which contribute to diabetic foot complications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diabetic Foot
Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that commonly occur in people with diabetes due to factors like neuropathy, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system.
Preventive care includes daily foot checks, wearing proper footwear, managing blood sugar levels, and regular visits to a podiatrist.
Symptoms of a diabetic foot infection include redness, warmth, swelling, foul odor, or discharge from a wound.
Any foot injury should be cleaned and monitored closely. However, if it’s not healing or showing signs of infection, it must be evaluated by a healthcare professional to prevent it from worsening.
