Every year, on average, 4,000 to 5,000 people seek care for foot and ankle problems at the Podiatric Outpatient Department (OPD) at KMC Hospital, Mangalore. At the department, super-specialized doctors focus on proper wound care, and keeping feet healthy, especially for those at risk of diabetes-related issues. As a result of their utmost care and attention, very many patients recover, and only fewer than 20 individuals in a year undergo major amputations, meaning they lose their leg. It is significant to note that this accounts for less than 0.5 percent of the cases. Thus, it is gratifying and joyful to note that the limb is saved in most of the patients.
While in the majority of patients, the limb is salvaged, it is essential to understand and take precautions against the risk of diabetes-related foot problems. Experienced and specialist doctors in this specialized field of podiatry emphasize the need to ‘know your risk, know your response.’ Being aware of the risks associated with diabetes and receiving timely medical treatment is crucial to preventing the loss of limbs. Thus avoiding emotional and financial burdens on the families.
Here are a few precautionary measures to be taken by every diabetic patient:
Regular check-ups: Visit your healthcare provider regularly for check-ups, especially if you have diabetes. Early detection of issues can help prevent severe complications.
Manage Diabetes Effectively: Follow your doctor’s advice for managing diabetes, including medications, diet, and lifestyle changes. Keeping blood sugar levels in check, significantly reduces the risk of complications.
Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Maintaining a healthy weight contributes to overall well-being, reducing the risk of complications.
Diabetic Foot Care:
Do’s
Examine your feet daily and look for injuries.
Keep the web space dry (area between two toes).
Regularly moisturize your feet.
Cut nails regularly and trim them square. Always use footwear while walking.
Get regular foot check-ups from a podiatrist or foot specialist for prevention, early detection, and treatment of foot problems.
Don’ts
Do not walk barefoot. (both within and outside the home).
Avoid submerging your feet in boiling water.
Do not use hot water bags, heating pads, or apply any strong counterirritants (e.g., balms). You may burn your foot or feet without noticing.
Do not wear tight-fitting elastic socks and shoes.
Do not remove callus and corns at home.
Do not undergo vigorous oil massages of the feet.
In conclusion, while the numbers at our center indicate a relatively low rate of major amputations, the overall disease burden is huge, and it is essential to be proactive and educate the healthcare workers and patients about the care to be taken. Understanding the risks, regular check-ups, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are key steps in preventing the loss of limbs. As this year’s World Diabetes Theme is ‘Know your risk, know your response’, let us all take a collective pledge to be vigilant and defeat diabetes, ultimately saving both limbs and lives.
(The author, Dr. Priyatham Kamath, is a consultant in podiatric and diabetic foot surgery at KMC Hospital.)
