Diabetic Foot - How To Avert Infections In It?

People with diabetes are at risk of foot problems due to high blood glucose levels. The two most common problems are peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Both conditions can lead to a number of serious complications. One such complication is diabetic foot infection – an infection of the bones or soft tissues below the malleoli.

What causes diabetic foot infections?

Over time, excess blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels, skin, and the nerves in your feet. This may make it hard for the patient to feel blisters and minor abrasions, eventually leading to ulcers and becoming infected.

Reduced blood flow caused by damaged blood vessels from diabetes mellitus slows healing and puts you at greater risk of diabetic foot infections.

Signs to Watch Out for

An infection in diabetic foot exhibits symptoms such as the following –

• Wounds or blisters that are usually painless

• Tingling, numbing sensation

• Discolouration of skin or toenails

• Warmth

• Swelling

• Fluid or pus drainage

• Fever and chills

• Shock

• Shaking

• Uncontrolled blood glucose

Diabetic foot infections, if left untreated, may lead to complications.

How are diabetic foot infections treated?

Treatment for infections in diabetic foot depends on the severity and extent of the infection.

If the infection is mild, your doctor will recommend OTC oral antibiotics, topical creams, and antifungal foot powder. These will help ease the symptoms and heal the wound.

Patients with severe infection may have to undergo surgery. Surgery aims to remove or correct the infected tissues using various procedures.

• Infections like Plantar warts can be treated with cryotherapy. The doctor applies liquid nitrogen on warts to freeze them off.

• Vacuum Assisted Closure is yet another procedure for diabetic foot infections. It is used to drain fluid or pus from an infected wound.

How to Prevent Infections in Diabetic Foot

For people who have diabetes, preventing foot problems is crucial. Follow these measures to keep your feet healthy and avoid diabetic foot infections –

• Keep your feet clean

• Maintain good hygiene

• Trim nails carefully

• Care for bunions and corns

• Shield your feet from extreme temperature

• Wear supportive shoes and socks

• Avoid smoking

• Control blood glucose

Most importantly, examine your feet regularly to check for injuries or ulcers. Consult a doctor and go for regular checkups and a thorough examination at intervals.