Diabetes is the primary cause of this condition, as diabetic foot ulcers are one of the complications of diabetes. However, there are several direct causes of this condition, which include:
– Dysfunction in sensory nerves : This leads to a lack of sensation in detecting superficial wounds on the feet, which can worsen due to diabetes.
– Peripheral neuropathy : This gradually results in a loss of sensation in the feet.
– Blocked arteries and blood vessels : These issues, caused by circulatory problems stemming from diabetes complications, directly contribute to the non-healing of wounds when they occur.
– Severe pain when standing or walking.
– Unusual temperature in the feet.
– Gradual loss of sensation in the feet.
– Non-healing wounds on the feet.
– Numbness and swelling in the feet.
– Change in foot color and redness in the affected area.
If any of these signs or symptoms occur, the patient should see a specialist doctor for an examination and necessary tests. The doctor will perform a clinical examination of the foot and conduct several tests to identify the cause of the condition and determine the best treatment method for the patient.
Application of medications and dressings: One of the important steps in dealing with diabetic foot ulcers is the use of topical medications and dressings after removing dead skin. These products range from saline solutions to advanced dressings, which contain antibiotics, silicone, honey, and more. Each of these has proven effective in healing foot ulcers of varying severity levels. However, the skill of the vascular surgeon lies in selecting the optimal medical dressing for each ulcer, and multiple types may be used on the same ulcer.
• Infection prevention: There are several important factors to prevent ulcers from becoming infected, including maintaining tightly controlled blood sugar levels, keeping the ulcer clean, cleansing the wound at specified intervals, and avoiding walking barefoot.
• Blood sugar control: This is one of the most important immediate treatment steps to control diabetic foot ulcers. Doctors rely on various medications to control blood sugar levels and keep them within the normal range, which inevitably promotes ulcer healing and reduces the occurrence of complications.
• Improvement of blood circulation: Circulatory disorders are one of the factors that contribute to diabetic foot ulcers. When blood does not reach the feet properly, doctors rely on medications that improve blood circulation and regulate blood pressure.
• Pressure relief and unloading the affected area: Especially in cases of ulcers located on the bottom of the foot, this is achieved through wearing supportive specialized shoes or orthotic devices, or using a wheelchair or crutches. These devices reduce pressure and irritation in the ulcer area and help accelerate healing.
These non-surgical treatment steps do not rely on surgical intervention. However, if there is no improvement in the foot condition, surgical intervention may be necessary through the correction and aesthetic treatment of foot deformities resulting from ulcers. Also, the treatment of diabetic foot involves the removal of inflamed tissues causing ulcers. Surgical intervention may include skin grafting to create an environment conducive to healing.
Paying attention to personal hygiene, especially trimming nails.
• Avoiding alcohol consumption or smoking.
• Using high-quality medical shoes.
• Avoiding obesity and weight gain, which are dangerous factors that exacerbate diabetic foot ulcers. Therefore, patients should consume healthy, low-fat foods that do not lead to high blood pressure or increased levels of cholesterol and harmful fats in the blood.
• Regular follow-up with the treating doctor immediately after the occurrence of superficial or deep wounds on the foot, so that these wounds can be treated quickly before severe complications occur in the foot.
• Avoiding bacterial infections that may affect foot wounds.
It should be noted that not all ulcers are infected. However, if the doctor diagnoses an infection, it will be necessary to follow a specialized treatment program that includes taking antibiotics and wound care.
Once you notice the ulcer, you should seek medical care from the most skilled vascular specialist, Professor Dr. Hossam El Mahdy. Treating foot ulcers in diabetic patients is crucial for several reasons:
– To reduce the risk of infection and amputation.
– To improve function and quality of life.
– To reduce healthcare costs by minimizing complications and risks for the patient.
