DIABETIC FOOT
One of the most common complications of diabetes is a damage to the feet. You must be wondering how diabetes can affect the foot. The answer is simple.
CAUSE OF DIABETIC FOOT
The presence of diabetes can be a cause of poor blood flow to the feet. Consequently, small cuts or bruises fail to heal quickly, and they may take a longer time to recover. Since high blood sugar is known to affect the nerves of the feet, they may have a poor or no sensation of pressure and pain. So, many patients with diabetes fail to even realize that they have had a minor injury. Additionally, diabetes can also cause dryness of the skin on the feet and cracks in the heel.
However, the biggest risk to the feet of a patient with diabetes is INFECTION! The small cracks or cuts in the feet can be an entry point for bacteria and fungus. Both these organisms can thrive on the excess sugar present in the blood and cause potential infections of the feet. If such infections are not managed in time, they may convert into major infections which might warrant surgery to remove a part or whole of an affected limb.
SYMPTOMS OF DIABETIC FOOT 2
- Continuous pain in the feet
- Swelling of the feet or legs
- Hard shiny skin on the legs
- Calluses and corns
- Fever associated with a wound on the foot
- Numbness in the feet or legs