Diabeticfoot syndrome
Effectively treating diabetic foot syndrome
Patients with diabetes mellitus (diabetes) are particularly at risk of developing open sores on their feet, which will not heal without intensive treatment and, in the worst case, can lead to the loss of toes, parts of the foot, or even the entire lower leg.
The development of this so-called "diabetic foot syndrome" is complex. Damage to the nerves in the lower leg in particular leads to misalignment in the small foot joints, resulting in incorrect weight distribution on the arch of the foot. This creates unwanted new pressure points on the sole of the foot, leading to the development of wounds. These wounds are often painless due to diabetes and therefore go unnoticed by the patient. If diabetes also causes circulatory problems, which primarily damage the arteries in the lower leg, nutrients and immune cells cannot be transported to the foot in sufficient quantities for the wound to heal. This can lead to increasing infection of the wound and thus a risk to the limb.
The treatment of diabetic foot syndrome is therefore based on several important pillars simultaneously:
- Recognition and prompt treatment of any circulatory disorders in the leg
- Surgical removal of dead tissue to enable better healing of open wounds
- Special footwear to relieve pathological pressure zones (diabetic shoes)
- Involvement of a diabetologist in the treatment of complications of diabetes mellitus
Diagnosis & Therapy
Prevent infections, increase blood circulation.
When examining patients with diabetic foot syndrome, extensive experience in ultrasound diagnostics is necessary in order to properly assess the small vessels in the lower leg. If there are narrowings or blockages in these arteries, invasive therapy with vascular dilation (balloon dilatation) or bypass surgery may be necessary, depending on the stage of the diabetic foot.
Daily examination of the sole of the foot
However, it is also important that you, as a diabetic, inspect your feet every day, including the soles. The soles of your feet can be examined by your partner or by yourself using a small hand mirror with an extension. This allows you to quickly identify any wounds on the soles of your feet, which often do not cause pain in diabetics, and have them treated by a specialist.
The aim of therapy for diabetic foot syndrome must always be to prevent wounds and their infection in advance. That is why wearing special footwear to avoid pressure points on the foot is so important.
In my practice, I will examine you thoroughly and comprehensively for possible circulatory disorders and skin damage associated with diabetes mellitus and initiate appropriate treatment in consultation with your diabetologist.
Impressions from practice
