Diabetic foot, the symptoms of which we will describe in this article, is a syndrome that is caused by high blood sugar levels. With lesions of the pancreas, this level is so high that it begins to have a toxic effect on tissues and organs.
Diabetic foot, the symptoms of which we will list below, manifests itself as damage not only to the skin, but also to blood vessels, nerves, muscles and even (in advanced cases) bones. Why does the pathological level of glucose affect the lower limbs so much? Due to the distance from the heart, the legs are less well supplied with blood. Diabetics gradually lose the sensation of nerve endings and may not notice minor damage to the skin. And where there are problems with healing, there is also a diabetic foot. Everyone who has problems with the pancreas should know the symptoms of this syndrome. Otherwise, you can skip the first stages of the disease.
Diabetic foot. Symptoms that appear first
Check your feet every day when you shower or bathe. First you need to be wary of the so-called "smallproblems" stop. These are the symptoms that are not severe. It may seem to the patient that they can even be neglected. But with diabetes, this is unacceptable.
Otherwise they will become severe defeats and lead to poorly curable consequences. Ingrown toenails also affect people who do not have diabetes. This is a very common problem - it occurs due to improper cutting of corners, wearing shoes that do not fit. Diabetics should pay particular attention to the comfort and hygiene of their feet. Also, tight shoes often provoke darkening of the nails - this is a consequence of subungual hemorrhage. This may indicate the initial stage of diabetic foot. Stop wearing shoes that do not fit, visit an orthopedist and, if the hemorrhage has turned into suppuration, consult a surgeon. Fungal infections, corns and calluses also have a complicated course in diabetes and can provoke the formation of ulcers. Remember that you do not need to steam your feet in very hot water or use traumatic agents to remove calluses.
Formation of diabetic ulcers
The process of transforming a small wound into a full-fledged ulcer can go unnoticed. Its symptoms, especially for people with poor eyesight, can be mild. Persistently developing cracked heels, a fungus that is difficult to get rid of, deformation of the fingers - all this may indicate that the patient is developing a diabetic foot.
Photo with huge awesomeulcers most often illustrate already late stages of the disease. If left untreated, gangrene may develop. This is the most severe form of the disease, occurring against a background of severe circulatory disorders.
Classification of diabetic foot
There are three forms of the syndrome we describe: neuropathic, ischemic and mixed. The first is severe dryness. Sometimes diaper rash. Often there is a stage of the so-called "preulcer". Ischemic foot is characterized by cold skin. The extremity is bluish, sensitivity is often preserved. The mixed form is often the most dangerous. With her, the pain is mild and the diagnosis is difficult.
