Vascular Condition
Diabetic Foot Management
Diabetic foot disease is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that arises from a combination of peripheral neuropathy and reduced blood supply to the feet. Without prompt and expert management, diabetic foot problems can progress rapidly, potentially leading to amputation. Early specialist assessment and a multidisciplinary approach are essential to protect the limb.
Symptoms
- Non-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the feet
- Coldness or discolouration of the foot or toes
- Swelling, redness, or warmth
- Foul-smelling discharge from a foot wound
- Pain in the leg on walking (claudication)
Causes & Risk Factors
- Peripheral neuropathy from long-standing diabetes
- Peripheral arterial disease reducing blood flow
- Minor injuries going unnoticed due to reduced sensation
- Poorly fitting footwear causing pressure points
- Infection spreading to deep tissue or bone (osteomyelitis)
- Poor diabetic control over years
Treatment
Management involves wound debridement, infection control with appropriate antibiotics, and vascular assessment. Where blood supply is compromised, revascularisation procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery restore blood flow and promote wound healing.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery depends on the severity of the diabetic foot disease and the interventions required. Good diabetic control, optimal footwear, and regular foot checks are essential throughout recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many diabetic foot ulcers can be healed with prompt, specialist treatment. The key is early intervention before infection or ischaemia becomes advanced.
A vascular surgeon assesses and treats the arterial blood supply to the foot. Restoring adequate circulation is often the critical step that allows wounds to heal and avoids amputation.
When to Seek Medical Advice
- Any new wound, blister, or sore on the foot
- Wound not healing after two weeks
- Increasing pain, redness, or swelling around a wound
- Blackening or gangrene of toes or foot
- Fever with a foot wound