Diabetic foot syndrome: detection, treatment and prevention
Diabetic Foot Syndrome
When we speak of diabetic foot syndrome, we mean all pathological changes in the foot of a person suffering from diabetes mellitus and diabetic polyneuropathy. The diabetic foot syndrome usually manifests itself in the form of wounds or gangrene (gangrene). The diabetic foot is a direct, serious complication of diabetes and usually progressively worsens the patient's health. Prevention is extremely important for this disease.
While the number of leg amputations in diabetes patients is declining in Germany, diabetic foot syndrome is still relatively common. Two to ten percent of all people with diabetes also suffer from DFS. If these wounds do not heal, this can lead to forced foot or even leg amputation in the long term.
There are three main factors that affect diabetic foot syndrome:
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Foot circulation problems
- Bacterial infections
Approx. 30-40 percent of DFS patients have a nervous disorder. As a result, they often hardly notice the pain on the feet or even not at all. The absence of any pain as a warning sign is often misleading for patients and they think the wound would not be a big deal. This can also lead to doctors making misdiagnoses.
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Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) primarily stems from three main factors: peripheral neuropathy, foot circulation problems, and bacterial infections. Peripheral neuropathy, resulting from nerve damage due to diabetes, often reduces or eliminates the sensation of pain in the feet, leading to unnoticed injuries that can worsen over time. Circulation issues impair blood flow to the feet, hindering wound healing and increasing the risk of infections. Bacterial infections can develop in these compromised tissues, further complicating the condition.
Diabetic foot syndrome affects an estimated two to ten percent of all individuals with diabetes. While the number of leg amputations is decreasing, the syndrome remains relatively common. Consistent foot care is crucial to prevent long-term complications.
Compression stockings can be beneficial for individuals with diabetic foot syndrome by improving circulation and reducing swelling in the legs and feet. They help enhance blood flow, which is crucial in preventing complications such as ulcers and infections.