e affected first of all, which leads to a serious deterioration in the quality of life and health. Main risks:
- The pathological process occurs simultaneously on both legs;
- The risk of developing the disease at an early age increases, in contrast to people without problems with blood sugar levels.
The danger of atherosclerosis lies in the fact that this ailment independently provokes necrosis of the skin, and ulcers occur without mechanical damage. If the patient is not aware of the risks, then even with the formation of a small scratch, the area of the trophic ulcer becomes much larger. When the problem is ignored, the most dramatic outcome is shin-deep amputation. If the measure was not taken, then necrotic processes lead to the patient’s imminent death, which again speaks of the need for timely treatment of DFS!
Symptoms of the disease
The symptoms of a diabetic foot include a huge number of factors, each of which needs to be learned by every patient. The main symptom is a decrease in sensitivity. It makes itself felt in several stages:
Severe swelling of the legs, jumps in the temperature of the skin surface are expressed. Its constant change from hot to cold indicates a serious violation of blood circulation or the penetration of a bacterial infection, which is a clear sign of an illness. After the initial stages of development of SDS, the following symptoms appear:
- Legs get tired even when walking slowly;
- Calves ache when resting. Physical activity can make things worse;
- The skin on the feet changes shades (from pale to reddish and bluish);
- Hair falls off the legs;
- Wounds and scratches do not heal in 1-2 weeks, but in 2-3 months (at best);
- Nails change shape and color. In the later stages, black bruises form under the nail plate;
- The final symptom is an open sore on the surface of the skin.
In order to prevent further development of SDS, it is necessary to periodically check your own feet for the listed visual symptoms. In the process, use a mirror to inspect hard-to-reach areas. Pay particular attention to interdigital distances and nails. In the presence of cracks and cuts, you should immediately contact your doctor!
People who suffer from diabetes mellitus visit a doctor at least once a year to conduct a clinical examination of their feet. Only a doctor is able to prescribe treatment, provide guidelines for trauma treatment, and prescribe orthopedic shoes with special insoles to reduce the load on the limbs.
Forms of diabetic foot syndrome
The diabetic foot is formed depending on one or another factor that negatively affects the patient’s health. Therefore, there are 2 main forms:
- Neuropathic ;
- Neuroischemic .
Each is expressed in a unique list of symptoms that require detailed consideration. The importance of this information lies in the specificity of the treatment of each form, since there are no universal methods.
The visual characteristics of the foot are normal at the initial stages. It has a pink color, is warm to the touch, the vessels can be easily palpated . The ulcer is localized in places of increased mechanical stress. The ulcer is wet, painful sensations in the lesion does not occur. The skin around the injury is dry and thick. This form is found among people with alcohol abuse, type 1 diabetes and young patients.
This form has other external features. The color of the foot changes to reddish or bluish, rubeosis is characteristic . If the limb is not infected, the temperature will be cold. A dry ulcer forms in places with the worst blood supply. Diabetics feel pain when physically exposed to an open area. More often, the neuroischemic form occurs in the elderly, heavy smokers, people with high blood cholesterol.
Who is at risk?
People are at risk of developing diabetic foot syndrome:
- People with diabetes for more than 10 years;
- Severely obese;
- With unstable blood glucose levels;
- Addicted to smoking and alcohol;
- Have had a stroke or heart attack;
- Prone to blood clots.
Persons in risk groups must undergo diagnostics in a clinic. Reckless attempts at self-medication le