Diabetic Foot: Causes and Treatment

Diabetic foot is a common problem for those who suffer from diabetes due to several reasons. You can’t get rid of diabetes, unfortunately. But you surely can take care of your body and keep a close eye on symptoms that can lead to a diabetic foot ulcer.  

Before we go into the details of diabetic foot causes and treatment options, let’s quickly have a look at what diabetes is. It is a type of disease that results in low sensitivity against insulin or results in faulty production of insulin. Insulin aids in absorbing sugar within the blood to utilize energy. However, during this condition hormones work ineffectively leading to increased blood sugar levels.

If blood has higher sugar levels for a longer period it has an adverse impact on extremities like feet and hands. 

Diabetic Foot Causes – How Do Ulcers Form? 

Now how does diabetes result in foot problems? Diabetic patients more commonly suffer from foot problems. The increased blood sugar levels result in foot problems within diabetic patients. 

The two most common foot problems in diabetic patients include Diabetic neuropathy and Peripheral vascular disease.

1. DIABETIC NEUROPATHY:

It is a type of condition which eventually results in nerve damage leading to numbness of the feet. The diabetes symptoms in such patients include difficulty feeling sensations within the extremities. Other diabetes symptoms in such patients include difficulty feeling irritation, foot infection, and soreness. These people are unable to identify the feel of rubbing shoes. They have no sensations which can result in increased chances of sores, blisters, and cuts.

Most of the diabetic patients who do not seek sugar treatment in Pakistan suffer from ulcers, infections, and ultimately gangrene. This further results in amputation. Diabetic doctors in Pakistan and all around the world suggest amputation for patients who develop gangrene.

2. PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE:

Diabetes is a condition that alters the physiology of blood vessels, especially arteries.

In peripheral vascular disease, there is a deposition of fats within the vessels leading to blockage. It mainly involves the blood vessels of the heart and brain. The blockage of blood vessels results in less blood flow towards extremities i.e. foot and hands. The diabetes symptoms in such patients include slow healing of wounds, infection, and painful lesions. 

The diabetic doctors in Pakistan suggest amputation for patients who suffer from severe infections.

Symptoms Of Diabetic Foot 

The symptoms of diabetic patients with foot problems vary from person to person which includes:

• Loss of sensations
• Tingling or itchy feel
• Numbness
• Discoloration of the skin
• Temperature changes
• Wounds or blisters without any pain
• Wounds that have no or slight amount of drainage
• Red Streaks
• Staining over the socks
• Painful tingling sensation

During foot infection, diabetic patients suffer from chills, fever, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, shock or redness

Diabetic Foot Treatment In Pakistan 

The treatment for diabetic foot problems varies depending on the severity of the condition. Diabetic doctors in Pakistan offer a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for patients.

NON-SURGICAL:

Non-surgical treatment methods include:

• Cleaning the wounds and dress them regularly 
• Observe the foot for gangrene till the time of self-amputation where toes fall because of the reduced blood flow
• Try to wear immobilization devices example, total contact cast or cast boot

SURGICAL:

Diabetic doctors in Pakistan offer the following surgical options for patients with non-healing foot problems:

• Removal of the dead or decaying tissues
• Stabilizing Charcot’s foot with surgery
• Amputation ranges between foot sectioning or single toe amputation and amputation below the knee or above the knee
• Endovascular surgery where stents i.e. small devices for keeping the blood vessels patent
• Arterial bypass in patients with peripheral vascular disease that improves blood flow to the affected area

FOOT CARE:

Diabetic patients lack foot care when considering sugar treatment in Pakistan that results in severe foot problems. For a diabetic patient, it is essential to maintain a healthy foot and be vigilant regarding foot hygiene. Perform the following steps to achieve proper foot care:

• Examine any signs of wounds or injuries over the feet daily.
• Clean your feet daily to avoid any infections or painful lesions.
• Prevent your feet against infections and wear socks and supportive shoes. Diabetic doctors in Pakistan also suggest special shoes for such patients to prevent deformities. Avoid wearing tight socks as it might reduce the blood flow. 
• Try keeping your feet in an upright position to promote blood flow. Wiggle your toes periodically to enhance the blood flow. Perform foot exercises to increase blood flow.
• Trim down your toenails and keep them short to avoid fungal infections.
• Avoid shaving bunions and corns deeply as it might lead to foot infections.
• Avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures as it might damage your feet.
• Visit your doctors regularly to prevent foot infections.
• Control the blood sugar levels to avoid any complications.
• Avoid smoking as it affects the blood flow level towards the tissues that might worsen the foot problems in diabetic patients.

How BioFlex Helps With Diabetic Foot Treatment

BioFlex Clinic offers laser therapy (LLLT) to sugar patients in Pakistan. The therapy is based on light technology. It is an effective treatment for diabetic patients suffering from slow wound healing. 

Laser therapy is non-toxic, non-invasive, and highly beneficial for the treatment of the diabetic foot. This laser therapy helps in stimulating the immune system of the patients. It also aids in reducing inflammation and enhances the natural healing mechanism. 

The purpose of Bioflex laser therapy is to promote effective and stable results. These lasers are flexible enough to contour the anatomical configurations of the affected area in diabetic patients. 

The wavelengths of this laser therapy do not result in the production of ionizing radiation.

This therapy does not result in any DNA or tissue damage.

There are no such contraindications of this therapy. It is therefore advised as a perfect treatment option for diabetic foot problems. 

Laser therapy is safe for patients with epilepsy, pacemakers, or prosthetic devices. 

Get yourself appointed for safe and alternative laser treatment to get rid of diabetic foot problems without any side effects.

Simply fill in the booking form and start your journey to self-healing.