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Best Diabetic Foot Treatment in Delhi

The Diabetic Foot treatment and cure
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What is Diabetic Foot ?

The “diabetic foot” refers to a range of foot problems that can arise as a complication of diabetes, primarily due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. These complications can be severe and, if not properly managed, can lead to serious infections, ulcers, deformities, and even amputation.

The two main underlying factors contributing to diabetic foot problems are:-

  • Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Damage):-
    • Sensory Neuropathy: This is the most common and dangerous type. It leads to a loss of feeling in the feet (numbness or reduced sensation to pain, temperature, and touch). Because individuals can not feel minor injuries like cuts, blisters, or even objects in their shoes, these injuries often go unnoticed and can worsen into serious wounds.
    • Motor Neuropathy: This affects the nerves controlling foot muscles, leading to muscle weakness and imbalance. This can cause foot deformities like hammertoes, claw toes, or bunions, which create abnormal pressure points and increase the risk of skin breakdown.
    • Autonomic Neuropathy: This affects nerves controlling involuntary functions, like sweating and oil production. Reduced sweating can lead to dry, cracked skin, which is more susceptible to infection.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) / Poor Circulation:-
    • High blood sugar can damage blood vessels, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the feet.
    • Poor circulation means that even minor cuts or infections do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients for proper healing.
    • It also impairs the body’s ability to fight off infections, making them spread more rapidly and become more severe.
Early Signs of Diabetic Foot Complications:-

It is crucial for individuals with diabetes to be aware of these signs and seek medical attention immediately:-

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation in the feet.
  • Pain or cramping in the legs or buttocks during physical activity (a sign of PAD).
  • Changes in the color or temperature of the feet (e.g., pale, bluish, reddish, or unusually warm/cold).
  • Dry, cracked skin on the feet.
  • Loss of hair on the toes, feet, or lower legs.
  • Thickened, yellow toenails (often due to fungal infections, but can also indicate poor circulation).
  • Any cut, blister, sore, ingrown toenail, or callus that doesn’t start to heal within a few days.
  • Redness, swelling, or warmth in any part of the foot.
  • Pus or drainage from a wound.
  • A foul odor coming from a wound.
  • Change in the shape of the feet over time (e.g., development of a “rocker-bottom” foot, which can indicate Charcot foot).

Specific Complications of the Diabetic Foot:-

  • Foot Ulcers: These are open sores on the skin, often on the bottom of the foot, that can become deep and infected due to neuropathy and poor circulation. They are a leading cause of diabetes-related amputations.
  • Infections: Due to impaired sensation and blood flow, infections can quickly become severe, spreading to bone (osteomyelitis) or leading to gangrene (tissue death).
  • Charcot Foot (Neuropathic Osteoarthropathy): A serious complication where bones and joints in the foot weaken and fracture due to nerve damage, often without the person feeling pain. Continuing to walk on the damaged foot can lead to severe deformity, including the “rocker-bottom” foot shape, increasing the risk of ulcers.
  • Amputation: If infections or ulcers do not heal and become severe, or if Charcot foot is left untreated, amputation of a toe, foot, or part of the leg may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and save the person’s life.
Prevention and Management of Diabetic Foot Problems:-

Excellent Diabetes Management: Keeping blood glucose levels as close to target as possible is the most crucial step to prevent nerve and blood vessel damage. This includes diet, exercise, and medication adherence.

  • Daily Foot Inspection: Check your feet every day for any cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or other changes. Use a mirror or ask for help if you can not reach.
  • Daily Washing and Drying: Wash feet daily with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections.
  • Moisturize: Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet to prevent dry, cracked skin. Do NOT apply lotion between the toes as this can create a moist environment for fungal growth.
  • Proper Nail Care: Trim toenails straight across. If you have thick nails, difficulty seeing/reaching, or any nerve damage, have a podiatrist trim them. Never cut ingrown toenails or use sharp objects on your feet.
  • Never Go Barefoot: Always wear shoes or slippers, even indoors, to protect your feet from injury.
  • Choose Appropriate Footwear:-
    • Well-fitting: Shoes should be wide enough with a roomy toe box. Avoid pointed or tight shoes.
    • Supportive: Look for good arch support and cushioning.
    • Check Inside: Before putting on shoes, always check inside for foreign objects (pebbles, bunched-up socks) that could cause injury.
    • Material: Opt for breathable materials like leather or canvas.
    • Specialty Shoes: A podiatrist may recommend therapeutic shoes or custom orthotics for those with deformities or a history of ulcers.
  • Avoid Self-Treating: Never try to cut corns, calluses, or warts yourself. Avoid over-the-counter medicated patches or chemical wart removers.
  • Test Water Temperature: Always test bath or shower water with your elbow, not your feet, as sensation may be impaired.
  • Protect from Extreme Temperatures: Avoid heating pads, hot water bottles, or placing feet too close to heaters or fireplaces.
  • Promote Circulation: Regular physical activity, elevating feet, avoiding prolonged sitting/standing, and quitting smoking can all improve blood flow.

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