Diabetic Foot Concerns
We can mitigate the problems associated with diabetes.
What Is Diabetic Foot / Diabetic Foot Syndrome?
A diabetic foot is a foot that exhibits any pathology that results directly from diabetes mellitus or any long-term (or “chronic”) complication of diabetes mellitus. Presence of several characteristic diabetic foot pathologies such as infection, diabetic foot ulcer and neuropathic osteoarthropathy is called diabetic foot syndrome.
Due to the peripheral nerve dysfunction associated with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), patients have a reduced ability to feel pain. This means that minor injuries may remain undiscovered for a long while. People with diabetes are also at risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer. Research estimates that the lifetime incidence of foot ulcers within the diabetic community is around 15% and may become as high as 25%.
Foot infection is the most common cause of non-traumatic amputation in people with diabetes, so the condition should be treated immediately.
We detect and treat DFS.
Consider a screening to see if you are at risk.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Foot?
Pinellas Vascular should evaluate non-healing ulcers or gangrene in a diabetic patient. Occasionally the circulation can be improved by minimally invasive, endovascular techniques. However, the extent of atherosclerosis seen in diabetic patients often demands a surgical approach.
How Do We Treat Diabetic Foot?
Treatment of diabetic foot can be challenging and prolonged; it may include orthopedic appliances, surgery, antimicrobial drugs and topical dressings.
Most diabetic foot infections (DFIs) require treatment with systemic antibiotics. The choice of the initial antibiotic treatment depends on several factors such as the severity of the infection, whether the patient has received another antibiotic treatment for it, and whether the infection has been caused by a micro-organism that is known to be resistant to usual antibiotics (e.g. MRSA). The objective of antibiotic therapy is to stop the infection and ensure it doesn’t spread.
Looking for additional Information?
View our printable information on Diabetes that we provide in conjunction with the Society for Vascular Surgery.
When you are ready to discuss treatment options, we look forward to scheduling a consultation with you.
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