What is Diabetic Foot?
Diabetic foot is a complication that commonly affects individuals with long-term high blood sugar levels. This condition can lead to severe infections, ulcers, and even tissue death in the feet. The main contributing factors to diabetic foot are diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.
Diabetic Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by diabetes leads to loss of sensation in the feet. Patients may not feel injuries or foreign objects in their feet, increasing the risk of infections.
Peripheral Vascular Disease: Diabetes narrows and blocks blood vessels that supply the feet, reducing blood circulation and hindering wound healing. Poor blood flow restricts oxygen and nutrients to tissues, causing infections to worsen and leading to tissue death (necrosis).
Treatment for diabetic foot includes controlling blood sugar levels, managing infections, and maintaining proper foot care. Patient education, regular foot examinations, and wearing appropriate footwear play critical roles in managing this condition.
Treatment Methods We Use
For diabetic foot wounds, particularly those caused by diabetic vascular blockages, we prioritize robotic vascular cleaning and opening systems when major arteries are blocked. These systems mechanically clear blockages caused by atherosclerosis, calcification, and both acute and chronic thrombosis.
Traditional methods like balloon angioplasty often result in re-narrowing and blockages in diabetic patients. Therefore, stent placement is generally avoided due to the high risk of stent blockage caused by persistent vascular issues like fat deposits, calcification, and thrombosis. The unique challenges posed by narrow leg arteries in diabetic patients also make stent placement less favorable.
Mechanical cleaning and opening techniques are preferred, providing longer-lasting and effective solutions for managing diabetic vascular disease. These methods are crucial for patients suffering from microangiopathy in the toes and nails or diabetic neuropathy that damages nerve endings.
We also utilize Sparkway technology for managing microangiopathy and neuropathy. This system employs natural energy mechanisms that stimulate cellular and tissue regeneration. It activates stem cells to promote healing and develop new capillaries, accelerating tissue repair and controlling infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetic foot wounds affect about one in seven individuals with diabetes. Those with persistently high blood sugar levels, previous foot wounds, sensory loss, kidney damage, vision problems, vascular blockages, reduced ankle mobility, foot deformities, or dry/cracked skin are at higher risk. Additional risk factors include poor foot care, smoking, obesity, advanced age, fungal infections, and wearing inappropriate footwear. Regular foot care, proper footwear, and routine doctor visits are crucial for high-risk patients.
Diabetic feet are often dry, leading to heel cracks and infections. Feet should be washed daily with warm water and soap, thoroughly dried, and moisturized to prevent cracks—avoiding cream application between the toes to reduce fungal infections. Nails should be trimmed straight across to prevent ingrown nails. Wear seamless wool or cotton socks and change them daily. Avoid narrow-toed or high-heeled shoes, opting instead for soft leather or fabric footwear. Routine foot care at podiatry centers is recommended.
Daily foot care is key to preventing diabetic foot wounds. Wash feet with warm water and soap, dry thoroughly, and apply moisturizer without reaching between the toes. Keep nails trimmed straight, wear seamless cotton or wool socks, and choose appropriate shoes. If wounds develop, seek immediate medical attention for cleaning, antibiotics, and potential surgical intervention. Regular doctor visits and podiatry care can prevent wound formation and promote healing.
