Diabetic Foot Clinic

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by an increased blood glucose level as a result of either decreased insulin production in the body, reduced sensitivity of the tissues to insulin, or both. Numerous microvascular and macrovascular complications occur as a result of chronic hyperglycemia, including peripheral vascular diseases, peripheral neuropathies, poor wound healing, and increased risk of infections, especially foot infections.

People with diabetes are prone to developing many different complications. Every ordinary complaint can turn problematic and lead to severe complications. Diabetic foot is one of the most serious and devastating complications of diabetes that occurs as a part of a group of syndromes in which ischemia, neuropathy, and infection result in disability, deformity, and potential amputation. In fact, 50% of all non-traumatic amputations are due to diabetic foot. Also, the rate of lower limb amputations in diabetic people is around forty times higher than that in non-diabetics. But the good news is that most of these problems can be prevented with proper medical care. 

It has been established that approximately 15% of diabetics develop serious foot problems at some point in time that can threaten the limb or the life of the patient. The average stay in the hospital for such patients is about one month, but some patients may require hospitalization for more than three months. 

What are the foot foes for diabetics?

There are certain things that can precipitate the development of the diabetic foot, including:

• Cold and frostbite
• Steam, hot water, sunburn, hot water bottles, and electric heating pads
• Stockings, tight shoes, Hawai chappals, nails or straps in the shoes that can exert pressure on the foot
• Strong medicinal applications and other chemicals
• Wet, moist feet
• Adhesive tape
• Vigorous massage or rubbing
• Careless nail cutting
• Walking barefoot
• Calluses, bunions, and corns
• Tobacco intake in any form, including beedis, cigarettes, and gutka.

The nerves usually get numb in diabetic people masking the pain, so they may fail to notice an injury. The temperature sensing ability is also lost sometimes, so they may not be able to sense hot tiles or hot water when it comes into contact with the feet. 

How to prevent diabetic foot?

• Never soak your feet in water for too long
• Don’t cut your nails. Only file them
• Don’t walk barefoot or wear ill-fitted shoes
• Never assume that the circulation and sensation in your feet are normal 
• Don’t use irritative medications on your feet or perform bathroom surgery on them
• Never allow corns or calluses to develop on your feet, and don’t keep them too dry or too moist

Checklist for Good Shoes

• Avoid high-heeled or pointed shoes
• Your shoes should cover your feet adequately and protect them
• Know your foot size and follow it when buying new shoes
• Try to go shoe shopping in the evenings and buy them in size slightly larger than your foot size
• Start using new shoes carefully to avoid blisters
• Use dry, seamless socks in the right size
• Always wear clean and comfortable footwear 
• Use soft footwear even at home, and don’t use them outside

Our Services

The diabetic foot clinic team at the Diabetic Foot Clinic at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore comprises expert endocrinologists/diabetologists, vascular surgeons, physiotherapists, diabetes educators, and allied medical professionals. They all work together to plan the best treatment options for the patient while keeping in mind his medical history, comorbid conditions, and personal preferences.

Apart from delivering treatment for diabetes and its complications, we offer a diverse range of programs to educate and support patients with diabetes. The education programs are easy to follow and interactive. You can also bring a family member with you if you want some additional support. 

The services provided at our diabetic foot clinic include the following:

• Wound care: This involves debridement or removal of the dead tissue to promote the healing of the wound by the use of specialised dressings and pressure-relieving techniques. We also provide advanced treatments like negative pressure therapy and larvae therapy.
• Diagnosis, treatment, and management of Charcot neuroarthropathy and diabetic fractures.
• Wound and Charcot foot casting, including heel casts, total contact casts, and soft slipper casts.
• The treatment is delivered by an integrated multidisciplinary team comprising diabetes, vascular, and orthopedic consultants. 
• Access to imaging on referral, such as MRI X-rays and vascular scans.