Diabetic foot an entity that has confused both patients as doctors. Many patients in India suffer from diabetes and a huge number of them are undetected or are detected once they start developing complications. Most common complication in orthopaedics is diabetic foot. The foot is worst affected in diabetes as it is constantly involved in weight bearing and injury.
So, lets us discuss what diabetic foot is
- Any complication in the foot in diabetics e.g. Ulcers, wounds, callosity
- Pain and swelling in the foot
- Gangrenous changes i.e., discoloration of foot, foul smelling discharge
- Shape changes in foot
Decreased sensation, burning and pins and needles sensation in the foot
What is Charcot Foot?
It is a complication of diabetic foot where due to uncontrolled sugar your foot bones become weak.
The shape of bones change and joints become damaged due to softness of bones. Shape of the foot changes and new pressure points are developed leading to callosity and ulcers. These ulcers if do not heal lead to infection and pus discharge. These infections can go deep to the bones and can cause osteomyelitis leading to the destruction of bones.
Charcot foot has four stages
Inflammation – Redness and swelling of foot
Fragmentation – Structure of bones changes and deformity begins
Coalescence – Bones regain strength but shape is still changing
Consolidation – bones are stronger and the shape change is stable
How can a foot and ankle surgeon help?
The change in shape of foot is the major problem and leads to ulcer and callous formation at abnormal pressure points. An orthopaedic surgeon can help to bring back the foot to a more normal shape where repeated callosities and ulcers can heal. Bringing the foot back to normal shape can help you walk in a more normal way.
How to avoid foot complication
- Good sugar control ( diet control , exercise and timely medication)
- Avoid injury to foot
- Get regular foot check-up at a foot specialist
- Foot care (proper foot wear and keep foot clean)
- If any wound or callosity develops visit a foot specialist
For More Information on Diabetic foot treatment in Odisha, consult to ankle fracture treatment centre in Bhubaneswar Footankleortho.com