Diabetic foot - what it is, what it looks like and how to care for it

Diabetic foot is one of the most serious complications of diabetes, leading to chronic wounds, deformities and ulcerations in the lower extremities. It is caused by both sensory disturbances (neuropathy) and impaired blood circulation in the feet (angiopathy). The combination of these two factors means that even minor injuries can develop into hard-to-heal wounds, infections or tissue necrosis.

In medicine, diabetic foot is defined as a set of pathological changes involving the skin, muscles, bones and joints of the foot, resulting from long-term hyperglycemia. It requires not only local treatment, but also strict metabolic control and interdisciplinary medical care. What is diabetic foot and how to take care of it?

From this article you will learn:

• Diabetic foot - causes of formation
• Diabetic foot - what does it look like?
• Charcot deformity - a complication of the diabetic foot
• Chronic lower limb ulcers and vascular disorders
• Transverse bone transport - an innovative treatment method
• Diabetic foot - care and prevention
• Summary - what is diabetic foot

Diabetic foot - causes of formation

The most common causes of diabetic foot are chronic complications of untreated or poorly controlled diabetes. A key role is played by:

• Diabetic neuropathy - damage to sensory nerves leads to loss of sensitivity to pain, touch and temperature. The patient does not feel abrasions, cuts or burns, which over time develop into ulcers.

• Vascular disorders (angiopathy) - impaired blood supply causes tissue hypoxia, impeding wound healing and increasing the risk of infection.

• Bacterial infections - microorganisms easily penetrate deep into tissues, causing inflammation and abscesses.

• Improper footwear and lack of care - tight shoes, ill-fitting orthotics or neglect of foot hygiene further aggravate micro-injuries.

When talking about the causes of diabetic foot, one cannot forget about general factors such as smoking, hypertension and high cholesterol, which exacerbate circulation disorders in the extremities.

Diabetic foot - what does it look like?

What does the diabetic foot look like? The outward appearance of the diabetic foot can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, dry skin, cracks, calluses and small wounds appear. In more advanced cases, it is observed:

• Deep-bottomed ulcers, often with the presence of necrosis,

• Swelling and redness of the foot,

• Osteoarticular deformities, including the so-called Charcot deformity,

• Impeded wound healing and bad odor resulting from infection.

Diabetic foot - what does it look like in clinical practice? It can take the form of neuropathic ulcers (without pain, with thickened skin) or ischemic ulcers (with pain, pale, cool skin). Untreated, it leads to serious complications, including the need for amputation. Therefore, early recognition and implementation of treatment is crucial.

Charcot deformity - a complication of the diabetic foot

One of the most serious complications of sugar foot is Charcot deformity (Charcot arthropathy) - chronic, destructive damage to the joints and bones of the foot caused by neuropathy. As a result of loss of sensation and micro-trauma, there is a gradual collapse of bony structures, deformation of the foot arch and joint displacement.

The diabetic foot becomes swollen, warm and unstable. In its advanced stage, it takes on a characteristic "rocker bottom" shape, resembling the convex bottom of a boat. Treatment requires long-term relief of the limb, immobilization and rehabilitation conducted in a specialized center.

Chronic lower limb ulcers and vascular disorders

Chronic ulcers of the lower limb are a common and serious problem in the diabetic foot. They develop due to ischemia, infection and impaired wound healing. They require complex treatment including:

• Wound cleansing (surgical or enzymatic),

• antibiotic therapy,

• Improving blood supply to tissues,

• As well as specialized dressings to accelerate skin regeneration.

In many cases, the cooperation of a diabetologist, vascular surgeon, orthopedist and rehabilitation specialist is necessary. Treatment must be multidirectional - only then can the progression of necrosis and loss of the limb be prevented.

Transverse bone transport - an innovative treatment method

In modern orthopedic centers, transverse bone transport, a technique that involves moving a piece of bone to stimulate angiogenesis - the formation of new blood vessels - is increasingly being used in the care of the diabetic foot.

This method of treatment allows the restoration of normal circulation in the limb, which significantly improves wound healing conditions and increases the chance of avoiding amputation. It is one of the most innovative procedures in the treatment of chronic ulcers and severe forms of diabetic foot.

Diabetic foot - care and prevention

Proper care of the diabetic foot is the key to preventing complications. Patients should monitor the condition of their feet daily and respond to any alarming symptom. Recommended:

• Washing feet daily in lukewarm water and drying thoroughly,

• Use of moisturizing creams with urea,

• Avoiding barefoot walking,

• Wearing comfortable, wide footwear,

• Regular trimming of nails with a straight cut,

• Immediately reporting to the doctor at the appearance of a wound or fracture.

It is also important to have your limbs regularly checked for sensation and blood supply by a specialist, and to maintain proper blood glucose levels.

Remember - proper care of the diabetic foot is not only hygiene, but also prevention of serious complications that can threaten the health and life of the patient.

Summary - what is diabetic foot

Diabetic foot - what is it? It is a complex complication of diabetes, resulting from a combination of neuropathy and vascular disorders. Its treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach, including diabetology, surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Knowledge of the causes of the diabetic foot, the ability to recognize the first symptoms and attention to proper care can prevent the development of severe deformities, ulceration and amputation. Modern medicine - including modern methods such as transverse bone transport - offers a real chance to preserve function and improve patients' quality of life. At our center, which offers both treatment of pediatric conditions and treatment of the sugar foot, therapy involves combining the knowledge and experience of specialists from different fields. This is treatment tailored to the individual patient.