Putting The Best Foot Forward

We can tackle the complications of foot and ankle injury from diabetes with a systematic approach

- DR MAHENDRA SURESH KUDCHADKAR

India is the diabetes capital of the world. If we extrapolate this information to the complications of diabetes, then one can conclude that diabetic foot ulcer is at the top of the list.

Diabetes destroys our body slowly but surely despite good control of sugar. The longer you have it, the more the chances of complications.

Loss of sensation in the foot is caused by damage to the nerves’ myelin sheath which results in loss of balance and also inability to feel pain. This is a dangerous situation that exposes our feet to new deformities, loss of sweating leading to drying of skin and loss of pain sensation.

This triad creates abnormal pressure points on the sole, sides and toes. Shoe bites, corns, infected nails and cracked heel pads are early warning signs of impending foot ulcer.