Many people with diabetes do not receive treatment for their foot problems until it is too late. Left untreated, diabetic foot complications can lead to serious health problems, even amputation. If you suffer from diabetic foot, contact Dr. Nilesh Satbhai today for treatment.
Diabetes is a condition of high blood sugar levels that progresses, resulting in complications of the heart, eyes, and kidneys, impairs the nerves, and restricts the blood flow to the arms and legs.
Diabetic foot is a condition in people with diabetes that causes complications like callus formation, non-healing wounds, deformity, and gangrene of the legs and feet. Those with diabetic foot complications may not feel pain in the toes or the soles upon getting hit or being pricked by a pin or thorn. The wounds and cuts at the site of injury don’t give pain and may go unnoticed till they become deep and big.
This leads to the formation of an ulcer or death of the tissue of the affected part. It is a serious complication that, if not treated in time, may require amputation; a process of removing the part of the foot or leg surgically. The amputation of the affected foot or leg is a life-saving surgery that prevents the spread of infection to the adjoining parts and through the body. Such an eventuality can be prevented.
Sometimes, bones in the foot can break due to damage to the nerve and blood supply and cause a condition known as Charcot foot, making the foot swollen, warm, and deformed.
Diabetic foot treatment is the process of managing and preventing the complications associated with diabetic foot. The goals of diabetic foot treatment are to heal wounds, prevent infections, and preserve the function and appearance of the foot. Treatment also includes relieving pain and discomfort.
The right candidate for diabetic foot treatment is someone who has diabetes and is experiencing complications in the feet or legs.
Dr. Nilesh Satbhai discusses the causes of diabetic foot wounds, as well as the different treatment options available
If any diabetic patient presenting any foot complaints arrives for a consultation, Dr. Nilesh Satbhai ensures comprehensive check-ups and assessments. Assessment of the blood flow and nerve sensations in the legs and feet will be carried out. Dr. Nilesh will advise some tests to know the blood sugar levels and their effect on the heart and kidneys.
Consult Dr. Nilesh Satbhai if you notice the following signs:
Based on the examination and tests, Dr. Nilesh Satbhai will decide the type of treatment best suited for you. If you have a diabetic foot ulcer that is not healing or some part in the foot or leg has completely lost blood flow, causing gangrene, then Dr. Nilesh Satbhai in Mumbai may recommend surgical procedures.
The procedures involved in diabetic foot treatment include the following:
Preventing ulcers includes making lifestyle changes, maintaining proper blood sugar levels, and protecting the feet from injury.
Biomechanical imbalances are faults in the movements produced by internal and external forces and the body’s capacity to react to these forces. Biomechanical imbalances can be corrected through physiotherapy and arch supports.
Physiotherapy is the process of using physical means like heat, light, exercise, and massage to promote healing and relieve pain.
The first step in diabetic foot ulcer treatment is debridement or the removal of dead and infected tissue from the wound.
The treatment of diabetic foot ulcers also includes “off-loading” which refers to taking the pressure off of the ulcer. This can be done with special shoes, casts, or braces.
Wound dressings are also used to treat diabetic foot ulcers. The type of dressing used will depend on the location and severity of the ulcer.
Sometimes, skin grafting or flap surgery may be necessary to treat diabetic foot. Skin grafting is a procedure in which healthy skin is taken from another area of the body and transplanted to the area of the wound. Flap surgery is similar to skin grafting, but instead of taking healthy skin from another area, a flap of skin is partly cut from the area around the wound and moved to cover the wound.
In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to improve blood flow to the affected area. This can be done by bypass surgery, in which a new path is created for blood to flow around the blocked or narrow blood vessel.
In some severe cases, amputation of the affected part of the foot may be necessary. This is usually done as a last resort to prevent the spread of infection.
In cases where amputation is necessary, a prosthesis (artificial limb) can be used to replace the missing part of the foot.
The cost of diabetic foot treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required. Dr. Nilesh Satbhai will provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost of your diabetic foot treatment during your consultation.
Request AppointmentThe benefits of diabetic foot treatment include healing wounds, preventing infections, preserving function and appearance of the foot, relieving pain, and reducing discomfort.
The risks and complications associated with the surgical procedures of diabetic foot treatment include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and nerve damage. Experienced reconstructive surgeon Dr. Nilesh Satbhai uses the latest technologies to reduce discomfort and ensure quick healing after surgery.
MBBS, MS, MCh