DIABETIC FOOT Prepared By: AHMED ALI AL-GHAMDI

INTRODUCTION Ten to fifteen percent of diabetic patient develop foot ulcers at some stage of their lives. Diabetic foot problems are responsible for nearly 50% of all diabetes related hospital admission. 50% of all lower limb amputations are preformed on people with diabetes. Many such amputations could be delayed or prevented by more effective patient education and medical supervision.

Symptoms There are tow problems in diabetic foot: Ischemia and neuropathy,These two problems are manifested with pain, high arch, clawing of toes, cold or warm sensation, bounding pulses, ulceration on heels and toes. So the diabetic patient should be aware from these symptoms and contact his physician as soon as possible to see what is the problem to avoid any complication can be occur.

This picture shows ulceration in the big toe and middle of foot

COMPLICATIONS There are four main complications can occur and they are: Infections: this can take hold rapidly in diabetic foot. Early Antibiotics treatment is essential, here the culture for the organism is important, because the organisms grown from the surface may not be the organism causing infection. Ischemia: the patient here may go to bypass surgery or angioplasty. Few patient fall to this category and amputation may occur. Abnormal pressure: to avoid this problem the patient must wear special shoes before and after healing from any ulcer or wounds. Wound environment : dressing are used to absorb or remove exudates maintain moist and protect from contaminations and to be easily removed.

MANAGMENT Many diabetic foot are avoidable, so patients need to learn the principles of foot care like: Inspect feet daily. Seek early advice for any damage. Check shoes inside and out side for sharp bodies/areas before wearing. Use lace-up shoes with plenty of room for the toes. Keep feet away from sources of heat (hot, hot-water bottles, radiators, fires) Check the bath temperature before stepping in.

Advanced complication of heel ulceration