Diabetic foot infection is a complex problem. Many diabetic patients suffer from this problem. This problem can even lead to death. Diabetic patients have sensitivity and blood circulation problems in their feet. Because of this, the wound can become complicated if it is not treated quickly. Therefore, diabetic patients need to know about this.
When is the risk of infection high?
Several conditions put diabetics at risk of foot infections. These include—
If blood sugar is not under control,
If you don’t take proper care of your feet,
If you don’t wear the right shoes,
If the skin on the feet is too dry.
How does infection occur?
Diabetic patients are easily injured due to a lack of sensation in their feet. In addition, the wound takes on a complicated form due to the absence of pain after the injury. High blood sugar lowers immunity. At the same time, it helps in the propagation of various germs.
Most infections are caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. However, many times, infection can be caused by several germs at the same time.
How to understand:
Infection usually causes swelling of the feet and legs. The color of the skin on the feet changes. Be careful if you experience burning and tingling sensations in your feet and legs. A diabetic patient should understand that he is suffering from a diabetic foot infection if he has decreased sensation in the feet, pain in the toes and cracks between the toes, ingrown toenails, and delayed healing of any foot wound. These symptoms and signs are bad. If this happens, consult a doctor immediately.
There are some stages or grades of diabetic foot infection. Know that too.
Grade 0: Leg pain and skin discoloration
Grade 1: ulceration of the skin of the foot.
Grade 2: Injury to the flesh, tendons, and ligaments of the foot
Grade 3: Leg bone formation
Grade 4: Decomposition of the forefoot.
Grade 5: Decomposition of the entire foot
What is the treatment?
There is a risk of recurring diabetic foot infections. For those who get recurrent infections, 10–30 percent need to have a toe, part of the foot, or the entire foot amputated. Therefore, any foot problem should be treated as soon as possible, according to the doctor’s advice. The infection can take anywhere from two weeks to three months to heal. So you have to be treated patiently. Sometimes the blood vessels in the legs can become blocked. In that case, blood vessels may need to be treated with angioplasty.
Follow a few tips as a preventative measure.
1. Keep your blood sugar under control.
2. Take at least 30 minutes of brisk walking every day.
3. Take care of your feet. These include keeping your feet clean, trimming your nails regularly, wearing socks outside, wearing the right size shoes, massaging your feet with oil or vaseline, and soaking your feet in warm turmeric water.
Dr. Reza Ahmad:Consultant Surgeon, Ibn Sina Hospital, Subhanighat, Sylhet