Journal Of Diabetic Foot Complications
From EjWiki
People with diabetes are at increased risk of peripheral arterial disease and neuropathy , as well as having a higher risk of developing infections and decreased ability to clear infections. Diabetics very commonly experience foot problems in a variety of forms. The field of health sciences and medical research has made marvellous contributions to our day to day lives.
Charcot arthropathy has three stages, where the first stage is a fragmentation or destruction stage, second stage is termed coalescence and the third stage will begin once the acute process is resolved and the healing on-going. Some popular drugs which also mask infection are steroids.
Risk factors for foot ulceration include peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy, previous amputation, previous ulceration, presence of callus, joint deformity, problems with vision and/or mobility, and male sex. Once the skin is broken, many processes contribute to defective healing, including bacterial infection, tissue ischaemia, continuing trauma, and poor management.
In the case of nerve that is not functioning, the Heel Pain symptoms is not felt and the presence of the foot ulcer may not be noticed. Diabetic foot ulcer generally exists in two types which are classified according to their origin while each type has their own symptoms. Sweating is often reduced while the skin is dry and potential for development of fissures. The foot unlike in neuropathic ulcer is often cool to touch and the skin is thin and shiny. Partial or complete gangrene may be present in severe case of diabetic foot ulcer.
Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in the United States, and individuals with diabetes are two to four times as likely to experience heart disease and stroke. With a proper diet, exercise, medical care and careful management at home, a person with diabetes can keep the most serious of the consequences at bay and enjoy a long, full life. No one knows why people develop diabetes, but once diagnosed, the disease is present for life. The podiatric physician, as an integral part of the treatment team, has documented success in the prevention of amputations. The key to amputation prevention in diabetic patients is early recognition and regular foot screenings, at least annually, from a podiatric physician. Ulceration is a common occurrence with the diabetic foot and should be carefully treated and monitored by a podiatrist to avoid amputations.
As noted, Charcot foot develops in three stages - a period of six months to a year in which bones and joints fragment or disintegrate, a coalescence stage in which the body begins to heal, and a reconstruction stage. Diagnosis usually is made during the first stage, and at this point treatment is focused on reducing heat and swelling and stabilizing the foot as a means of limiting deformity. You may be asked to keep your weight off the foot through the use of a walker or crutches. Bone scans are helpful in making a diagnosis.
