| Abstract: |
Foot disorders are a major source of morbidity and a leading cause of hospitalization for persons with diabetes mellitus, ulceration, infection, gangrene, and amputation are significant complications of the disease.Understanding the Pathophysiology of diabetic foot lesions is essential to the care of the diabetic patient. Diabetic foot lesions have traditionally been considered to result from:I- Peripheral neuropathyII- Peripheral arterial disease.III- Infection.The evaluation of the diabetic foot requires a detailed history and physical examination, appropriate diagnostic procedures and identifica-tion of risk factors for ulceration, amputation, infection and Charcot’s arthropathy. These can then identify patients at risk improve preventive measures and formulate appropriate management strategies.It is important to know the warning signs in order to identify the foot at risk. These include:• Swelling of the foot or ankle.• Very cold feet or legs .• Color changes red, blue or black discoloration.• Pain in legs at rest or while walking .• Open sores, no matter how small .• Non healing wounds .• In-growing toe nails .• Corns and calluses.
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