Frequently Asked Questions

A: Diabetic foot refers to a group of complications that can arise in individuals with diabetes. It typically involves a combination of neuropathy (nerve damage) and peripheral artery disease (poor blood circulation) in the lower extremities.

Diabetic foot can lead to foot ulcers, infections, gangrene and, in severe cases, may require amputation.

A: Diabetic foot is a relatively common complication among people with diabetes. It is estimated that up to 25% of individuals with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lives.

A: Several factors can increase the risk of developing diabetic foot, including poorly controlled blood sugar levels, long-standing diabetes, renal disease, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral artery disease, foot deformities, smoking, and a history of previous foot ulcers or amputations.

A: Symptoms of diabetic foot may include numbness or tingling in the feet, loss of sensation, foot deformities, calluses or corns, foot ulcers, redness or swelling, persistent pain, signs of infection (such as fever, pus, or foul odour) and gangrene (tissue death).

A: The treatment of diabetic foot typically involves a multidisciplinary approach and may include several components such as:

• Glucose control.
• Wound care.
• Offloading.
• Infection management.
• Vascular interventions.
• Education and self-care.

A: While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the risk of developing diabetic foot, several measures can help reduce the likelihood of its occurrence.

These include maintaining good blood sugar control, practicing proper foot hygiene, inspecting the feet regularly for any signs of injury or infection, wearing comfortable and well-fitting footwear, avoiding smoking, and seeking prompt medical attention for any foot-related concerns.

A: It is important to seek medical assistance promptly if you notice any signs of diabetic foot, such as foot ulcers, persistent pain, redness, swelling, signs of infection, discoloration of toes. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and improve outcomes.

A: The treatment of diabetic foot typically involves a multidisciplinary team, including endocrinologists or diabetologists, podiatrists, wound care specialists, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologist, surgeons, infectious disease specialists, and nurses specializing in diabetic foot care.

A: As with any medical treatment, there can be potential complications associated with diabetic foot treatment. These can include infection, delayed wound healing, adverse reactions to medications, allergic reactions to dressings, and, in some cases, the need for surgical interventions.

However, the benefits of appropriate treatment usually outweigh the risks.

A: Yes, in severe cases where diabetic foot complications are not timely addressed and managed, amputation may be necessary.

However, with proper and timely treatment, including wound care, infection management, and revascularization procedures (peripheral angioplasty and stenting), the risk of amputation can be significantly reduced.

Regular foot inspections and early intervention are key to preventing such complications.

A.Interventional Radiologist helps restore blood flow to the foot by procedures like peripheral angioplasty and stenting. Improved blood flow helps in relieving the pain due to poor circulation and promotes healing of the wounds. Timely intervention helps prevent amputation.

A: Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear as bulging pipe- like swellings on the legs. They usually occur when the valves within the veins that help regulate blood flow become weak or damaged, causing blood to pool and veins to swell.

A: Symptoms of varicose veins may include bulging veins, aching or throbbing pain, a heavy or uncomfortable feeling in the legs, swelling, itching and a worsening of symptoms after prolonged standing or sitting.

In advanced cases patients may develop severe swelling in legs, discoloration of skin, bleeding from varicocities and non-healing ulcers.

Patients with varicose veins may also be at increased risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a serious complication which may place the leg or even life at risk.

A: Several factors increase the risk of developing varicose veins, including age (the risk increases with age), gender (women are more likely to develop varicose veins), family history of varicose veins, obesity, pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing.

A: Varicose veins are usually diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare professional. They may also order additional tests such as an ultrasound to assess the blood flow in the veins and to rule out other underlying conditions.

A: While you cannot completely prevent varicose veins, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk or delay their onset.

These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, elevating your legs when resting, avoiding high heels and tight clothing that can restrict circulation and wearing compression stockings.

A: Treatment options for varicose veins include lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, weight management), self-care measures (e.g., wearing compression stockings), minimally invasive interventional procedures (like sclerotherapy, EVLT – endovenous laser treatment, Venaseal – glue based treatment), and open surgery.

A: Minimally invasive procedures, such as sclerotherapy, endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and Venaseal (Glue based treatment), have shown very good success rates in treating varicose veins.

These procedures are typically well-tolerated, have minimal downtime, and can be performed on an outpatient basis.

These do not require prolonged admission or any sort of stitches, cuts like in traditional surgery. Also being minimally invasive they are cosmetically better.

A: Most of the insurance providers cover these interventional procedures. The coverage of varicose vein treatment by insurance can vary depending on the insurance provider and the specific policy. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand the coverage policy and any requirements or restrictions.

A: Like any medical procedure, varicose vein treatments carry some risks and potential complications. Though these are very uncommon and very rare if performed by skilled interventional radiologist.

These can include temporary bruising, swelling, or pain at the treatment site, skin discoloration, blood clots, infection, nerve damage, and recurrence of varicose veins.

Consulting with a qualified interventional radiologist can provide you with a better understanding of the risks associated with specific treatment options.

A: Varicose veins can sometimes reoccur even after treatment. This is more likely if underlying risk factors, are not addressed and optimized.

Following a healthy lifestyle, wearing compression stockings as recommended, and regularly monitoring your veins can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.