Diabetic Foot Complications: Prevention and Specialist Care

India has the second largest population of people with diabetes in the world, and diabetic foot complications are one of the leading causes of non-traumatic amputation. With the right specialist care, most amputations are preventable.

How Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Diabetes causes two key problems that affect the feet:

Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage that reduces sensation. You may not feel pain from wounds, ulcers, or infections — allowing problems to worsen silently.

Peripheral Vascular Disease: Reduced blood supply to the feet, which impairs healing of any wound or infection.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Numbness, tingling or burning in the feet
• Wounds or sores that won't heal
• Redness, warmth or swelling
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Changes in skin colour
• Calluses or corns
• Nail infections

Any diabetic patient with a foot wound should see a specialist within 24 hours.

Diabetic Foot Care Essentials

1. Daily foot inspection — use a mirror to check the soles
2. Proper footwear — well-fitted, protective shoes always
3. Keep feet clean and moisturised — but not between toes
4. Never walk barefoot — even at home
5. Regular specialist review — see your doctor at least every 6 months

Specialist Treatment at Shivneri Hospital

Dr. Bhardwaj provides comprehensive diabetic foot care including: - Debridement and wound management - Offloading footwear and custom orthotics - Charcot foot management - Surgical drainage of infections - Reconstructive procedures - Tendon lengthening procedures - Amputation prevention surgery

Early intervention saves limbs. If you or a family member has diabetes, don't wait for a problem to become a crisis. Book a preventive consultation today.