In recent years, diabetes has been one of the main causes of death in Mexico, only below heart disease and COVID-19. The consequences of this chronic disease are very serious, since in Mexico it is not only one of the main causes of death, but also the main cause of amputations derived from diabetic foot .
So, knowing this, we know that talking about the diabetic foot is not something easy, due importance must be given so that it does not cause irreparable damage that limits the ability to walk due to an absent part of the body, that is, a limb amputation . lower .
The diabetic foot is known as infection, destruction or ulceration of the deep tissues of the foot and this is caused by maintaining glucose levels above normal values in the body.
When faced with the diabetic foot, great care must be taken, since it is very delicate because there is peripheral neuropathy, that is, there is damage to the nerves found in the brain and spinal cord, causing less sensitivity, and not only that. , circulation is also affected, causing less to be generated in that area.
The main symptoms found in the diabetic foot are:
- Tingle
- Pain
- cramps
- Decreased sensitivity to feel hot or cold
- Numbness
- Burning or flushing
In the absence of sensitivity, it is more difficult to detect an injury or wound to the foot , even when it is detected, the injury is probably already in a very advanced state.
As we referred to at the beginning of this blog, the diabetic foot is the wounds, infections and ulcerations present in it, and depending on the severity of the foot, is how we can classify it.
diabetic foot stages
- -Grade 0: Hyperkeratosis, which are calluses or cracks.
- -Grade 1: Superficial ulcer, affects the subcutaneous tissue.
- -Grade 2: Deep ulcer, affects tendon.
- -Grade 3: Deep ulcer, affects bone.
- -Grade 4: Gangrene affecting fingers ( minor amputation ).
- -Grade 5: Gangrene affecting midfoot or forefoot ( major amputation ).
The best way to avoid amputation due to diabetic foot is to prevent it and follow the following recommendations:
- Check your feet every day.
- Wash and dry your feet, avoid leaving them wet.
- Be careful when cutting your nails, better use files.
- Control your glucose levels and stick to your ideal weight.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle and stay active by walking.
- Wear comfortable shoes and seamless socks.
- Do not walk barefoot.
- Go periodically to a specialist doctor to check your feet.
At the Mediprax México foot evaluation clinic in Puebla we are committed to the well-being of each patient, which is why we recommend the use of Mediprax custom insoles , due to their effectiveness and easy adaptation for the patient and their daily activities. These custom-made orthopedic insoles must be designed to provide support, correctly distribute the patient’s weight and avoid plantar pressure, in addition to providing the necessary comfort, and thus prevent the appearance of ulcers on the soles of the feet .
In the case of diabetic foot amputees, we perform leg prostheses and provide physical rehabilitation therapies for their return to their daily lives, all this will depend on the perseverance, effort, and emotional state of each patient.