Diabetic Foot Analysis

Those who are diabetic may also be in risk of blindness (diabetic retinopathy) and nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). Diabetic neuropathy can lead to numbness in hands and feet, foot ulcers, and eventual limb amputation (World Health Organization). Taking preventive steps can help to avoid many of the complications of diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy can occur with long-term diabetes, usually after several years of uncontrolled high blood glucose. Glucose proteins, called glycoproteins, form in the nerves primarily those in the legs and feet. When the nerves in the feet are damaged, the brain cannot recognize pain in that area. Nerve damage from diabetic neuropathy can lead to weakness in the muscles in the legs and feet. Since the muscles work as a system, neuropathy can lead to other foot problems, such as hammertoes, calluses, bunions, and other foot deformities. These deformities are dangerous because of the risk of infection. A simple blister from a tight shoe can spell disaster

7. Examine your feet. Diabetes-related nerve damage can mean that you might have minor injuries to your feet that you can’t feel. This can lead to infections and other complications. Check the soles of your feet daily. Put lotion on them at night to keep the skin in good condition. Wear comfortable shoes that fit correctly. Ask your doctor to examine your feet whenever you have an office visit.

It is estimated that 387 million people, globally live with diabetes (Phillips & Mehl, 2015). According to Medical News Today [MNT], diabetes is a metabolic disorder; which causes patients to be extremely thirsty and produce a lot of urine. Diabetes arises due to high blood pressure, due to the body not being able to produce enough insulin or because the body does not respond well to high insulin levels (MNT, 2016). There are four types of diabetes; there is the pre-diabetic stage, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. In 2014, 29 million people died due to diabetes. This equates to 1 diabetic patient dying every seven seconds due to preventable complications (including complications affecting lower limbs) caused by diabetes. It is said that 20-40% of health care costs are spent on the treatment of lower limb complications due to diabetes. The risk of a diabetic patient developing a foot ulcer is 25% and foot ulcers account approximately 85% of lower limb amputations. Diabetic complications that affect lower limbs are caused by both type 1 and type 2 diabetes (Phillips & Mehl, 2015). It is said that the World Health Organization described diabetic foot syndrome as including all possible complications in relation to the feet of a diabetic patient. Diabetic foot syndrome is defined as the ulceration of the foot, from the ankle downwards. Causes of foot ulceration include peripheral sensory neuropathy, vascular disease (ischaemia) and infection

The most common reason for Mr. Haley’s foot pain would be diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This is nerve damage associated with diabetes mellitus that results from diabetic microvascular injury involving small blood vessels that supply nerves. Macrovascular conditions related to diabetes also play a role in the cause of diabetic neuropathy. In order to deal with the foot pain, the internist probably prescribed one of the two FDA recommended drugs for diabetic neuropathy. These drugs are Cymbalta

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common microvascular complications in diabetes and can result in foot ulceration, ampuation and an impaired quality of life(Carrington AL, et al 2002,Boulton AJ,et al 2004). The reported prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy ranges from 16% to as high as 66%2 and its prevelance is believed to increase with the duration of diabetes and poor glucose control.(Boulton AJ.et al 2000) It’s accounts for 50–75% of non-traumatic amputations in diabetic patients.(Holzer SE, et al 1998, Boulton AJM, 1998,Malay DS, et al 2006)

Toenail fungus is a common infection that affects countless people each year, and it can easily slip by without causing discomfort. Untreated toenail fungus causes more complicated problems, however, so foot doctors recommend taking care of it as soon as possible. Kentucky Foot Professionals specializes in helping the people of Lexington, KY with this and other conditions, and they have some sound advice for anyone hoping to boost their fungus prevention techniques.

Check your body frequently for signs of bruising and bleeding. Due to circulation and possible diabetic neuropathy, bruising usually occurs in your legs and feet. Proper diabetic foot care includes inspecting your feet and legs daily. If you have difficulty seeing them, use a mirror to observe your feet and legs from all angles. Search for bruises, bleeding, sores and blisters. Report irregularities to your doctor

Athlete's foot can be prevented by not touching those who have the infection and keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing shoes that allow air flow. When exercising it is important to wear non cotton socks that dry quickly or wick away moisture properly. Not sharing shoes, socks, towels and walking around with shoes on when outside and around pools and gym spaces can also help with prevention. You should also change socks every day or when they are damp, alternate shoes each day and make sure they are dry. All of these methods can help stop the growth of the

This article is about the intervention to reduce plantar pressure, heal and prevent foot ulcers in people with diabetes. People who use insulin are at higher risk of developing foot ulcers, even people who have other diseases including kidney disease, eye disease, or heart disease. Use of alcohol and tobacco, and being overweight play a key role in the development of foot ulcers. Ulcers form due to the combination of different factors, including poor circulation, foot deformities, irritation (friction or pressure), trauma, and lack of feeling in the foot. People who had diabetes for many years can develop neuropathy, a reduced or complete lack of ability to feel pain in the foot due to the nerve damage caused by the elevated glucose levels over time. Redness and swelling of the foot may also be associated with ulceration, and if it’s progressed significantly, an odor may be present.

diabetes should check their shoes every day. People can step on tacks, nails, staples, or even gravel, and they can work their way into a shoe, damaged foot. Foreign objects should be removed from the shoes. Shoes should also be checked for pressure marks inside, and if these can not be removed with the help of moleskin or orthotic shoes should not be worn.

Peripheral neuropathy is obviously one of the major complications of chronic diabetes, which affects the nerves and leads to loss of sensation, numbness, and pain in the legs, feet, or even hands. Sadly, peripheral neuropathy is likely to affect approximately 70% of people with diabetes. However, not all people who develop this type of complication experience serious pain.

Foot problems are a large risk in diabetics so diabetic patients must constantly monitor their feet or they can face severe health issues especially amputation. When having a diabetic foot, a cut as smaller than a blister from wearing a tight shoe can cause a lot of damage. Diabetes decreases blood flow, so injuries are slow to heal, as new blood often doesn’t flow freely to the wound or affected area. When wounds do not heal at a normal rate, they are more likely to be at risk for infection since infections in the diabetic feet can spread quickly. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet every day. Look for puncture wounds, bruises, pressure areas, redness, warmth, blisters,

Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes. Check daily for blisters, cuts or calluses. Wear soft, loose cotton socks and padded shoes. You can use a semi-circular hoop, which is available in medical supply stores, to keep bedcovers off hot or sensitive feet.

They have diminished inflammatory response even when extreme soft tissue and bone infection are present. Identification of foot infections in the patient with diabetes mellitus requires vigilance because the signs of infection may not be present ( Baranoski and Ayello, 2003,p.327). The most common bacteria found in non-limb threatening infection are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. These infections should be treated with oral antibiotics. If the limb is threatened with the infection, parenteral antibiotics and surgical debridement of necrotic tissue needs to be executed. Most limb threatening infections are polymicrobial. Staphylococcus aureus, group B atreptococci, Enterococcus, and facultative Gram-negative bacilli are the major pathogens involved in these types of