Why are diabetics prone to foot ulcers?
People with diabetes can develop many different foot problems. Even normal problems can get worse and lead to serious complications. So why are people with diabetes more prone to ulcers or complications in the feet? The following article will help you answer this question.
Foot ulcers are a common complication in patients with diabetes
1. How can diabetes cause foot problems?
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes cause damage to blood vessels and peripheral nerves that can result in problems in the legs and feet. Two main conditions are peripheral artery disease (PAD), and peripheral neuropathy are responsible for the increased risk of foot problems in people with diabetes.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD), sometimes referred to as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), means that there is narrowing or occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques of arteries outside of the heart and brain.
- Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nerves directly as a result of diabetes. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include decreased sensation in the nerves of the legs and feet, making it difficult to perceive injuries due to lack of feeling. Peripheral neuropathy also causes a tingling, pain, or burning in the involved areas.
2. What are the symptoms and signs of foot problems caused by diabetes?
In the most severe case, as mentioned above, due to a combination of decreased sensation and reduced blood flow to the feet, ulcers may develop. If the tissues continue to receive insufficient oxygen, tissue death (gangrene) occurs. Gangrene is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Other potentially serious problems that may develop include cellulitis (infection of the tissues beneath the skin) and osteomyelitis (infection of the bone); sepsis (the infection spreads to the bloodstream) also is possible.
People with diabetes are at increased risk for milder problems with the feet that are not specific to diabetes but may occur more frequently due to problems with the nerves and circulation to the feet.
3. What are treatment options for diabetes foot problems?
Treatment depends on the type of foot problem. For example, some problems like calves may require corrective shoes, while others such as minor infections and skin ulcers can be treated with antibiotics, antifungals, and topical medications like Multidex,... Other problems may require surgery and antibiotics.
Multidex is available in both gel and powder form, suitable for both dry and wet foot ulcers
Gangrene, or tissue death, cannot be reversed, but treatments are available to prevent gangrene (often termed dry gangrene) from spreading or becoming infected (dry gangrene becomes infected and develops into wet gangrene). Surgical removal of the dead tissue is typically required, and antibiotics are given to prevent the development of life-threatening infections in the dead tissue. In severe cases of gangrene, amputation of the affected part may be necessary.