A diabetic foot infection is a serious complication of diabetes that can cause devastating consequences.
When you have diabetes, your body’s ability to heal wounds is compromised, especially in your feet. This is mainly due to poor blood circulation and nerve damage. Once an infection sets in, it can quickly escalate, which causes serious complications such as ulcers, bone infections, and amputation.
Let’s take a look at some numbers: [1]
- Roughly 25% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime.
- 60% of all lower limb amputations are related to diabetic foot infections.
- People with diabetes are five times more likely to be hospitalized for a foot infection compared to those without diabetes. [2]
The risk factors of diabetic foot infections
Certain factors increase the risk of diabetic foot infections, which include:
- Poor blood sugar control can damage nerves and blood vessels. Ultimately, this reduces your body’s ability to heal wounds.
- Peripheral neuropathy causes loss of sensation in the feet, which makes it difficult to notice injuries.
- Poor circulation reduces blood flow to the feet, which slows down wound healing.
- Foot deformities (e.g., bunions, hammertoes) create pressure points on the feet. This can cause sores that may become infected.
The possible outcomes of diabetic foot infections
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that develops when the infection spreads from the initial wound into the surrounding skin and tissues. This condition causes redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. The infection can quickly propagate to nearby tissues without appropriate treatment, which could be devastating.
One possible complication of untreated cellulitis is gangrene.
Gangrene
Gangrene describes the death of body tissue due to a lack of blood flow. This complication occurs when the infection is severe enough to impair blood flow to the foot. As the tissue dies, it may turn black, and a foul odour will develop.
Gangrene is a medical emergency that requires surgical intervention to save the rest of the limb from necrosis (i.e., tissue death). In fact, debridement and amputation may be the only possible way to save the patient’s life.
Learn more about the relationship between diabetes and gangrene by clicking on this link (insert a link to the previous article).
Increased mortality risk
The presence of a diabetic foot ulcer nearly doubles the risk of death within three years. [3]
Amputation
Approximately 60% of lower limb amputations in people with diabetes are due to infected foot ulcers. After amputation, the five-year mortality rate is around 60%.
Osteomyelitis
This bone infection occurs in about 15% of diabetic foot ulcers. Furthermore, 15% of those cases proceed to amputation.
How to manage diabetic foot infections?
Early detection of foot problems is vital to prevent infections from becoming severe. We strongly recommend regular foot inspections (daily if possible), especially if you have diabetes. Look for any signs of redness, swelling, or sores. See medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Here are some treatment options:
Wound care
The purpose is to keep the wound clean and moist. Proper wound care also involves offloading the pressure from the affected area, which promotes healing.
Antibiotics
If an infection is present, antibiotics are often necessary. However, if poor blood circulation is present, these medications may take longer to be effective.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or amputate the affected limb to stop the spreading of the infection.
The prevention of diabetic foot infections
Prevention is always better than cure. This is why there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of diabetic foot infections:
- Maintain good blood sugar control.
- Inspect your feet daily and Look for cuts, blisters, redness, swelling, or any other abnormalities.
- Shoes that fit well and protect your feet from injury are essential. Avoid walking barefoot, even at home.
- Visit your healthcare provider or a podiatrist regularly to monitor your foot health and address any issues early.
The importance of regular foot examination
Regular foot examinations play an essential role in the early detection and prevention of serious diabetic foot complications.
Why do regular foot exams matter?
Foot complications in diabetes can develop gradually and may not be immediately noticeable. Small injuries, calluses, or minor infections can quickly blow up to serious conditions due to poor circulation and nerve damage.
What happens during a foot exam?
During a foot examination, a healthcare professional will thoroughly inspect your feet for any signs of damage. They will also check for corns, calluses, and any areas of increased pressure that could cause sores.
Moreover, the healthcare provider will assess your foot’s circulation and check pulses. They may also use a monofilament test to measure your sensitivity to touch, which helps determine the extent of any nerve damage.
If any abnormalities are found, the healthcare provider may suggest specific treatments, such as:
- Wearing custom orthotics to relieve pressure on certain areas.
- The prescription of antibiotics for infections.
- Lifestyle changes to improve circulation.
In some cases, referral to a specialist (e.g., podiatrist, vascular surgeon, orthopaedic surgeon) may be required to further evaluate and manage your condition.
How frequently should you have a foot exam?
The frequency of foot exams depends on your individual risk factors. For most people with diabetes, an annual foot exam is highly recommended.
However, if you have a history of foot ulcers, neuropathy, or circulation problems, more frequent exams (every three to six months) may be necessary.
Takeaway message
Diabetic foot infection is a serious health risk that could potentially lead to amputation and even death. However, with proper management of blood sugar levels, regular foot care, and early treatment of any foot problems, these risks can be significantly reduced.
We hope this article will serve as a mini-guideline to help you treat and prevent diabetic foot infections.
If you or someone you know are experiencing issues related to diabetic foot, feel free to contact us or our specialists at Nobel Diabetic Foot Care.
