Diabetic Foot & Podiatry

Active Lifestyle

India is becoming the "Diabetes capital of the world". Currently, the number of diabetic patients in India is around 40.9 million & is expected to rise to 69.9 million by 2025. The effect of diabetes on the heart, kidney & eyes is very well known. 

So the aware population tries to adopt an active lifestyle. But they are unaware of the fact that diabetes can even affect their feet. This un-noticed complication is known as Diabetic Neuropathy, which can turn to be the biggest barrier to achieving an active lifestyle. 60 - 70 %  of those with diabetes develop peripheral neuropathy. 20% of those develop a foot ulcer.

Every 20 seconds, a limb is lost as a consequence of diabetes.

How Diabetes can hurt your feet...?

Diabetes causes two problems that can hurt your feet.

DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

With damaged nerves, you might not feel pain, heat, or cold in your legs & feet. A sore or cut on your foot may get worse because you do not know it is there.

SYMPTOMS:

• Burning, tingling sensations (worst in night).
• Numbness or insensitivity to pain or temperature.
• Extreme sensitivity to touch, even light touch.
• Sharp pain sensation & cramps.
• Loss of balance & coordination.

PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE (P.V.D.)
The second problem happens when not enough blood flow makes it hard for a sore or infection to heal.

SYMPTOMS:

• Numbness & swelling in feet.
• Coldness of legs.
• Heaviness in legs or cramps, usually more at night.



Vicious Circle of Diabetes

• Discoloration of skin.

These two problems can work together to cause a foot problem. While standing & walking certain areas of the foot are subjected to excessive pressure called "PRESSURE AREAS". These areas are prone to ulceration. Once the ulcer is developed, it causes a restriction in mobility & results in an increased sugar level. A person is trapped in a vicious circle.

WHAT IS THE SOLUTION...?

All these complications can be prevented & treated with the patient's education & the help of "Podiatry Doctor"(Foot Doctor).

Podiatry

Interventions

"Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study of diagnosis & treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle & lower limb." 

Podiatrist's aim is to improve mobility & quality of life, by following ways:

Conducting a thorough clinical evaluation of foot & lower limb.

Gait Analysis.

Foot health education regarding self-care techniques for prevention of foot pathology.

Prescribe the right size of the footwear, according to the client's foot length & width.

Prescribe customized orthotics: which help in redistribution of pressure under feet.

Non-surgical management of corn & calluses.

Correcting early foot deformity to avoid chronic mobility issues thus preventing the patient from discomfort & future expense.

Role Of Podiatry to prevent AMPUTATION

Take a step in the right direction by having your feet checked regularly by a podiatrist.

SAVE IT BEFORE YOU LOSE IT..!!

Listen to him..!