If you have diabetes, there are many things to keep track of, including managing your blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet, doctor’s appointments, etc. However, taking proper care of your feet should also be a non-negotiable part of your routine as well.
If, for some reason, your foot care has been neglected, our foot and ankle specialists at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center can assist you in rendering the proper care to prevent or treat a diabetic foot infection. We have offices conveniently located throughout Greater Columbus. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.
“Always treated like a person, not a number. Treated with courtesy and respect. I drive 3hrs to be there. I arrive early and never have to wait long. Employees are very pleasant and knowledgable. The doctors are well educated and concerned about your problems, treatment, and recovery. Would recommend Ortho Foot & Ankle to anyone. There’s no better in my opinion.” — Rodney B.
Diabetic foot syndrome can be defined as infection, ulceration, or destruction of deep tissues of the foot in patients with diabetes. Over time, high glucose levels can begin to damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet, resulting in diabetic neuropathy.
This nerve damage can result in a loss of feeling, and if you can’t feel pain, it makes it difficult to know when you have a cut, blister, or ulcer.
A diabetic ulcer is a wound or sore that takes a long time to heal, will not heal, or keeps returning. Diabetic foot ulcers usually develop on pressure points (parts of your feet and toes that are the most sensitive to weight). If diabetic ulcers go undetected and are not treated quickly, they can easily get infected, resulting in a diabetic foot infection.
Foot problems can occur in people with diabetes. This may especially be the case if you have:
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “about 15% of people with diabetes will get a foot or toe ulcer. Around 14% to 24% of people with diabetes in the U.S. need an amputation after they get an ulcer.” However, there are several steps that can be taken so that this does not happen.
Diabetic foot infections can be caused by:
If you have diabetes-related foot ulcers (foot ulceration), you may experience and will want to be alert to the following symptoms:
To accurately diagnose diabetes-related foot complications, your specialist will:
If you have diabetes-related ulcers or blisters, your specialist will:
Treatment for diabetes-related foot infections may include:
If your infection is severe in nature, your specialist may recommend amputating the affected area (toe, foot, leg) to prevent the infection from spreading.
You can reduce the risk of diabetes complications and prevent infection by:
You should contact your doctor right away if you experience the following:
If you suspect that you are experiencing diabetic foot complications, schedule an appointment at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center. Our expert doctors in Columbus, OH are ready to give you the peace of mind you’re looking for. Contact us today!
Medically reviewed by Terrence M. Philbin D.O.
