Diabetes-related foot problems are common, and negatively impact patients’ quality of life. Therefore, it is important that pharmacists and healthcare professionals are aware of symptoms and the relevant care pathways for these patients to ensure they receive the best care and education regarding how to manage their condition.
Over time, diabetes may cause neuropathy in the feet, which may result in a loss of feeling.
The two main foot problems that affect people with diabetes are:
Over time, diabetes can cause nerve damage that makes it hard for people with diabetes to feel sensation in their extremities. The condition also makes it difficult for a person to feel an irritation on their foot or notice when their shoes are rubbing. This lack of sensation and awareness leads to an increase in the risk of cuts, sores, and blisters developing.
Diabetes leads to changes in the blood vessels, including arteries. In peripheral vascular disease, fatty deposits block these vessels beyond the brain and heart. It tends to affect the blood vessels leading to and from the extremities, reducing blood flow to the hands and feet. Reduced blood flow can lead to pain, infection, and slow healing wounds. Severe infections may lead to amputation.
Symptoms may vary from person to person and may depend on what issues a person is experiencing at the time. Symptoms of diabetic foot problems can include the following:
If an infection is present in a foot or foot ulcer, a person may also experience some of the following:
Anyone who experiences any of the symptoms of an infection should seek emergency treatment.
Immediate medical attention should be sought if there are changes to the feet such as skin color, persistent sores, tingling, and swelling of the foot or ankle.
People who have diabetes should see a doctor regularly as part of their care. However, they should seek immediate medical attention if they notice any of the following:
Treatment for diabetic foot problems varies according to the severity of the condition. A range of surgical and nonsurgical options is available.
Nonsurgical options are normally the first method of treatment for diabetic foot problems. Some of these include:
When nonsurgical treatment fails to heal diabetic foot problems, surgery may be considered. Surgical treatment options include: