Wondering what exactly do doctors mean by “diabetic feet”? .... Diabetic Foot is not just a medical problem. It is multiprofessional.
The expression “diabetic feet” can give rise to many doubts. Understand better in this article.
Diabetes is a disease caused by the failure of the cells in the pancreas, which causes an increase in blood sugar levels.
The problem can happen due to changes in the way the body processes glucose, inadequate diet or insufficient production of insulin, for example. The causes are varied, as are the symptoms.
Many problems can appear as a result of the disease. Among them, the most common problem is delayed wound healing.
The term “diabetic foot” is used to designate changes in patients' feet that result from diabetes. Learn more below:
What is Diabetic Foot?
Diabetic Foot is a term used in the medical field to refer to changes present in the feet of diabetic patients, which resulted from this disease.
The problem is usually composed of a series of clinical manifestations, but the most common are:
- Peripheral diabetic neuropathy (death of nerve cells), which means that the person has decreased sensitivity;
- Peripheral vascular disease (decreased circulation in the legs and feet). This means that, with less circulation, any skin wound will take longer to heal.
With decreased sensitivity, it is more common for the patient to suffer injuries that go unnoticed.
There is also an aggravating factor. Any foot injury can be easily contaminated by bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and necrosis.
An injured or infected area on the feet can develop an ulcer (sore). These complications must be treated quickly, as they may result in the need for amputation of the affected limb.
Are there tests that help detect the problem?
Yea! And more: studies show that an early diagnosis can reduce the risk of amputation due to diabetic foot by up to 85%.
The exam is very simple. When the diagnosis of Diabetes is confirmed, ask your doctor or a specialist to examine your feet.
The sensitivity of the feet is tested using a device called “10gr monofilament”. It is a painless and inexpensive test.
This is not the only method used to test nerve cells in the feet. However, your doctor will be able to help you define which type of exam is best for you.
In order to assess your circulatory condition, your diabetes doctor may check the pedal pulses (which are on the instep and right behind the ankle). Circulation can also be assessed through a more thorough examination, which is based on an ultrasound of the blood vessels (called a Doppler).
On the other hand, the stepping test is done using equipment called a “plantigraph”. This exam aims to assess and identify points of greater mechanical overload. It is a simple exam, and can be done in the office itself.
Once footstep changes are identified, the professional will be able to recommend insoles and special shoes, in order to avoid ulcers caused by calluses.
Diabetic foot treatment starts with prevention!
Unfortunately, conditions such as diabetic neuropathy are still incurable. However, there are already medications capable of alleviating the symptoms caused by inflammation of the peripheral nerves, or painful conditions.
It is also very important to identify circulatory problems in the feet and legs as early as possible. In some cases, diabetes can contribute to blockage of the arteries that carry oxygenated blood to the feet and nails (peripheral obstructive arterial disease).
In these cases, the doctor may prescribe vasodilator medications, which help to improve circulation, preventing its clogging.
In other situations, it is possible to resort to the evaluation of a specialist physician in order to monitor the circulatory condition. This follow-up is essential to prevent gangrene, which is a consequence of the total blockage of a segment of the vessel.
Periodic consultations with vascular doctors prevent these problems. Through preventive examinations of circulation, it is possible to anticipate any major foot problem, such as in the case of wounds.
How to care for your feet and prevent injuries if you have diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, regardless of the type, it is very important to follow the recommendations of your doctor or staff. A controlled diet and proper use of prescribed medications is essential to keep the condition under control.
In addition, there are some precautions you can take to take good care of your feet and prevent injuries that can cause major problems. Check out:
- Wear special diabetic shoes;
- Check your feet frequently, following changes in your skin or nails;
- Also be aware of the appearance of:
- small wounds,
- bubbles,
- reddish areas,
- nail changes,
- bony prominences and
- changes in the shape of the feet.
- Avoid walking in slippers or sandals, and especially walking barefoot;
- Do not wear shoes made from non-breathable materials;
- Choose soft, comfortable shoes;
- If you feel numbness in your feet, see a doctor immediately;
- Circulate your feet every 15 minutes to help maintain good circulation;
- The temperature of the water during the bath must not exceed 35°C;
- Dry your feet thoroughly after showering;
- Don't soak your feet;
- Prefer to cut the nails with a podiatrist specializing in diabetic feet;
- Do not use cuticle pliers and cuticle pushers on toes.
Currently there are podiatrists specializing in diabetes and diabetic feet, who will be able to better guide you about the health of your feet and nails.
Even if you do not have any injuries at the moment, it is essential to follow up with a podiatrist who specializes in diabetic feet. Even if your diabetes is under control and has not yet affected your feet, it is important that a professional monitor your situation.
In addition to taking care of your nails in order to avoid injuries, the PODÓLOGIST professional is the only specialist with scientific training to act in an educational and preventive way on foot health. In addition, this professional will know how to recognize if you have changes in your feet resulting from diabetes, and recommend the use of special shoes, insoles, creams appropriate for your skin type, thus avoiding dryness and cracks, which pose risks for infections.
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-> Also read: What is the relationship between diabetic feet and foot problems?
