In diabetes, a foot ulcer, infection and impaired circulation can increase the risk of tissue loss.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Black discoloration of the foot
- Pus and a foul odor from the wound
- Fever and chills
- Rapidly spreading redness
What is it?
The patient may have reduced pain sensation, so a wound may be noticed late, and poor blood flow can make healing difficult. The goals are to stop infection, assess circulation and preserve tissue.
Symptoms
- Foot ulcer
- Numbness and burning
- Dry, cracked skin
- Toe deformity
- Swelling
- Delayed healing
Causes & risk factors
- Long-standing diabetes
- Poor blood glucose control
- Peripheral artery disease
- Nerve damage
- Inappropriate footwear
- Smoking
Diagnosis
Diagnosis does not rely on a single test. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings and investigation results are assessed together.
- Foot examination
- Doppler ultrasound and ankle-brachial index
- Wound culture in selected cases
- Blood tests
- X-ray or MRI to assess the depth of infection
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, comorbidities and procedural risk.
- Blood glucose control
- Wound care
- Antibiotics in selected cases
- Pressure offloading
- Assessment of the need for revascularization
- Surgical debridement in selected cases
How we help
At the center, diabetic foot is assessed in terms of vascular status, the wound and infection. If blood flow is poor, procedures to restore vessel patency are discussed.
When a procedure may be needed
Urgent intervention may be needed if a wound does not heal, blood flow to the foot is poor, the infection extends deeper or there is a risk of tissue loss.
Patient checklist
- Inspect your feet every day
- Choose footwear carefully
- Do not cut or puncture the wound at home
- Improve blood glucose control
FAQ
If a diabetic foot is not painful, does that mean there is no problem?
No. Nerve damage can reduce pain even when the wound is serious.
When is a wound an emergency?
Do not delay seeking care if there is black discoloration, pus, a foul odor, fever or spreading redness.
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