Diabetic Foot

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Diabetic Foot

Treatment of the diabetic foot will include addressing the causes. Often, this means control of the infection with antibiotics. If there is extensive infection in the foot, your vascular surgeon will recommend surgery to drain the infection.

If vascular disease is present, you may undergo one or more tests, such as duplex ultrasound or& arteriography. Your doctor may recommend open surgery or endovascular surgery to re-establish normal blood flow to the foot.

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Cause of Foot Diseases in Diabetes

Three main factors lead to problems of the diabetic foot:

Neuropathy: Many factors cause neuropathy in diabetes. Numbness in the foot is one of the manifestations of diabetic neuropathy.
Vascular disease: This is the same as peripheral artery disease (PAD), and is caused by atherosclerosis
Infection

Symptoms of a Diabetic Foot

An ulcer or sore in the foot
Pain
Redness in the foot
Gangrene

What to Expect at Your Medical Exam

Your vascular surgeon will perform a full history, including questions about the nature of your diabetic foot problem, severity, and how fast it typically takes you to heal from a wound. He or she will also perform a full physical exam to determine which causes are present, and whether vascular disease is present. In some cases, the infection and severity of the problem may prompt your vascular surgeon to recommend admission to the hospital for treatment.

Treatment for Diabetic Foot

Treatment addresses the cause of diabetic foot and the best way to treat your specific condition.

If vascular disease is present, you may undergo one or more tests, such as duplex ultrasound or arteriography. Your doctor may recommend open surgery or endovascular surgery to re-establish normal blood flow to the foot.