Introduction:
Diabetic Foot is a complex and serious complication that affects individuals with diabetes, leading to nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced blood flow (peripheral artery disease) in the feet. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial to prevent severe consequences.
Dr. Amit Sahu, a renowned Interventional Radiologist in Mumbai, specializes in providing the Best Diabetic Foot Treatment in Mumbai.
Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and various treatment options for Diabetic Foot.
Causes of Diabetic Foot:
Diabetic Foot is primarily caused by two factors: neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow) due to high blood sugar levels.
Individuals with poorly managed diabetes are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Other factors, such as foot injuries, infections, and foot deformities, can exacerbate the situation.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Foot?
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health. The symptoms may include:
1-Numbness or Tingling Sensation in Feet: One of the primary symptoms of Diabetic Foot is neuropathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the nerves. This can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet, causing a tingling or numbness sensation.
2-Slow-healing Sores or Ulcers on Feet: Due to reduced blood flow and compromised immune response in diabetic individuals, even minor injuries to the feet, such as cuts or blisters, can take longer to heal and may develop into non-healing sores or ulcers.
3-Swelling, Redness, or Warmth in the Foot: Diabetic Foot can lead to inflammation and increased blood flow to the affected area, causing swelling, redness, and warmth in the foot.
4-Persistent Foot Pain or Cramping: Nerve damage can result in chronic pain or cramping in the feet, which may worsen during walking or physical activity.
5-Ingrown Toenails and Calluses: Diabetic individuals are more prone to developing ingrown toenails and calluses due to the changes in foot shape and lack of sensation, making them susceptible to foot deformities.
6-Changes in the Shape of Feet or Toes: Long-term diabetes can lead to alterations in the structure of the feet and toes, such as the development of Charcot foot, a condition characterized by weakening and fractures in the bones of the foot.
What are the Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot?
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing Diabetic Foot in individuals with diabetes.
These risk factors include:
1-Poorly Managed Diabetes: Individuals with uncontrolled blood sugar levels have a higher risk of developing complications, including nerve damage (neuropathy) and reduced blood flow (peripheral artery disease), both of which contribute to Diabetic Foot.
2-Duration of Diabetes: The longer a person has diabetes, the higher the risk of developing complications, as the cumulative effect of high blood sugar levels over time can lead to nerve damage and circulation problems.
3-Peripheral Neuropathy: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage in the extremities, is a significant risk factor for Diabetic Foot. It diminishes the ability to sense pain, temperature, and pressure, making it difficult to notice injuries or ulcers on the feet.
4-Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD is another risk factor for Diabetic Foot. Reduced blood flow to the lower extremities impairs wound healing and increases the risk of infections.
5-Foot Deformities: Structural abnormalities in the feet, such as bunions, hammertoes, and Charcot foot, can increase pressure points and contribute to the development of foot ulcers.
6-Foot Injuries: Injuries to the feet, such as cuts, blisters, or burns, are more likely to lead to complications in individuals with diabetes due to impaired healing and reduced immune response.
7-Smoking: Smoking can further restrict blood flow to the feet and exacerbate the complications associated with diabetes, including Diabetic Foot.
8-Obesity: Excess body weight puts additional stress on the feet, leading to increased pressure on certain areas, making it more likely for foot ulcers to develop.
9-Poor Foot Care Practices: Neglecting proper foot care, such as not regularly inspecting the feet for injuries, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and not keeping the feet clean and moisturized, can contribute to Diabetic Foot.
10-Lack of Physical Activity: Physical inactivity can worsen diabetes management and impair blood circulation, increasing the risk of complications like Diabetic Foot.
11-Age and Gender: Older individuals and men with diabetes tend to have a higher risk of developing Diabetic Foot.
It’s essential for individuals with diabetes to be aware of these risk factors and take proactive measures to prevent Diabetic Foot complications. Regular foot examinations by a healthcare professional, along with proper foot care and diabetes management, can significantly reduce the risk and impact of Diabetic Foot.
Diabetic Foot Treatment in Mumbai:
Dr. Amit Sahu Interventional Radiologist in Mumbai is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to provide the best possible treatments.
Here are some effective options:
Wound Care and Infection Management:
At the Best Interventional Radiologist Treatment Clinic in Mumbai, Dr. Amit Sahu emphasizes meticulous wound care to facilitate healing. Regular cleaning and dressing of foot ulcers are performed to prevent infections.
Targeted antibiotics are prescribed to combat infections and protect the feet from further complications.
The clinic also employs advanced wound care techniques for optimal healing.
- Proper care for foot ulcers, including regular cleaning and dressing.
Targeted antibiotics to tackle infections. - Utilization of advanced wound care techniques for optimal healing.
Offloading:
- Special shoes or braces are employed to reduce pressure on the affected foot.
- Custom-made orthotic devices are designed to prevent further foot deformities.
Revascularization:
- Interventional Radiology procedures to enhance blood flow to the affected foot.
In severe cases, angioplasty or bypass surgery may be recommended. - Nerve Decompression Surgery:
Surgical release of compressed nerves to relieve pain and prevent further nerve damage.
Amputation:
In extreme cases where other treatments fail, amputation may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and save the patient’s life.
Dr. Amit Sahu, being a skilled Interventional Radiologist in Mumbai, ensures that amputation is considered only when absolutely necessary, always prioritizing limb function and quality of life.
Prevention of Diabetic Foot Complications:
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of Diabetic Foot complications:
- Regularly monitor blood sugar levels and follow the prescribed diabetes management plan.
- Practice proper foot care, including daily washing and drying of feet, keeping nails trimmed, and wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
- Avoid smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle to improve blood circulation.
What is Peripheral Vascular Disease?
Peripheral Vascular or Arterial Disease (PVD or PAD) is a blood circulation disorder that results in narrowing of any blood vessels outside of the heart, like those supplying the legs, arms, brain & kidneys. Narrowing results in reduced blood flow to organs. Legs & feet are most commonly affected.
What are the common symptoms?
Patients with leg PVD may experience various symptoms depending on severity.
- Painful leg cramping on walking, relieved on rest (intermittent claudication).
- Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles.
- Reddish-blue discolouration of toes.
- Skin changes like cold, thin skin, thickened nails.
- Hair loss.
- Impotence in men.
What are the complications of PVD?
- Complications develop with severe reduction in blood flow.
- Severe burning or aching pain, even at rest.
- Developing Wounds that won’t heal.
- Gangrene : Blackish dead tissue which may need Amputation (removal).
Who are at risk of having PVD?
Various risk factors have been identified that may increase your chances of developing PVD.
Controllable factors include:
- High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol.
- Cigarette smoking, Tobacco chewing.
- Diabetes.
- Heart & Kidney disease.
- Poor diet.
- Lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle Obesity.
Uncontrollable factors:
Advancing Age.
Men
Women who have attained menopause
How to confirm PVD?
Assessments are done with Ankle-Brachial Index examination, Doppler Sonography, CT/MRI angiography. The best way to confirm any abnormality still remains peripheral angiography (DSA).
It is a minimally invasive, safe procedure performed by Interventional Radiologist like Dr. Amit Sahu.
Whom to consult for PVD, Diabetic Foot?
PVD treatment is complex which requires many specialists working together. An Interventional Radiologist should always be consulted. They are the specialists involved in evaluating arterial blockages, optimising medications & performing procedures to open blockages.
What are treatment options in PVD, Diabetic Foot?
Depending on the extent & severity various treatment options are available:
1-Medical: To control risk factors
2-Interventional: To restore blood flow to feet. These are performed by Interventional Radiologist & include non-surgical procedures like peripheral angioplasty, stenting (plain or drug eluting), atherectomy & intravascular lithotripsy. A timely intervention can help improve blood circulation to foot allowing symptomatic improvement & healing of wound, also avoiding potential amputation.
3-Surgical Treatment: For addressing Infected, Gangrenous wound & corrective surgeries.
How to Prevent PVD?
A timely evaluation & control of risk factors like diabetes, blood pressure, etc. are necessary to control the progression of PVD.
It is important to screen patients at high risk to identify the blockages & their severity.
Interventional treatments like angioplasty & stenting are very effective in restoring the blood flow, so that progression of disease does not happen & amputation can be avoided. Amputation not only leads to disability but also increases the risk for other medical conditions.
Exercise daily, maintain an optimum weight, examine your legs & feet for sores, changes in skin colour & practice good foot hygiene.
Avoid poorly fitting shoes, cut down on alcohol, smoking, junk food & eat more fruits & vegetables.
Importance of Peripheral Angioplasty, Interventional Treatments
This procedure helps to restore blood flow to the affected area, relieve symptoms & prevent further damage. Peripheral angioplasty is a safe & effective treatment option for PVD or PAD.
A timely intervention can help to avoid a potential amputation (surgical removal of affected part of foot) which results in disability & also increases the risk of other cardio-vascular problems.
Even if an amputation is unavoidable because of advanced changes of gangrene, it is important to improve blood circulation by peripheral angioplasty, so that the stump healing is promoted, else it may develop gangrene too.
It is vital to have an Interventional Radiology consultation in all patients with PVD & diabetic foot during treatment planning to improve the outcomes.
The ultimate aim is to be able to avoid an amputation
Conclusion:
With Dr. Amit Sahu, the Best Diabetic Foot Treatment Doctor in Mumbai, you can rest assured that your Diabetic Foot condition will receive the best care available. Early detection, timely treatment, and proper foot care are vital in preventing serious consequences.
Dr. Amit Sahu dedication to patient care makes his clinic the Best Diabetic Foot Clinic in Mumbai, offering comprehensive and personalized solutions for patients’ needs.
Schedule an appointment today and take the first step towards healthier and happier feet.
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