What Are the Most Common Diabetic Foot Disorders? (Continued)

Charcot Foot

When the feeling in your foot has been lost due to peripheral neuropathy, injuries may go undetected. Without being able to feel it, you could tear a ligament, damage a joint or break a bone without knowing it. Over the course of time, repeatedly walking on an injured foot may cause an injury to heal badly, creating deformities referred to as Charcot arthropathy or Charcot Foot. When not treated properly, Charcot Foot can lead to further complications: foot collapse, severe infection and amputation.

Your doctor may apply different treatment options depending on your particular injury and symptoms. Your doctor may immobilize your foot with a cast to help reduce stress on the joint. You'll be followed closely; having the cast changed every week or two until your foot and ankle improve. Or, your doctor may recommend a surgical approach as an option for reconstruction of the damaged, unstable joint. Today your physician has access to tools specifically designed to restore function and mobility, as well as some of your lost quality of life.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Diabetes affects blood circulation by compromising the body's complex system of veins and arteries. Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), or poor circulation, prevents blood from flowing normally to all the tiny blood vessels at the ends of your extremities, like your fingers and toes. Without proper blood flow, those tissues do not receive the oxygen necessary to stay healthy. Left untreated, PVD may cause foot tissue to die, triggering gangrene (black skin with underlying dead tissue and bone), and possibly, the need for amputation. The American Diabetes Association estimates that one of every three diabetics over 50 has PVD.

Your doctor may treat your peripheral vascular disease with medication, stents or a vascular bypass procedure, if necessary. If you have developed gangrene, your doctor may prescribe medication to fight infection. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove any dead tissue.

When is Surgery the Best Option?

If you already are speaking with your physician about surgical options, your diabetic foot condition likely has reached an advanced stage. You already may have received more conservative therapies, including medication and casting. You may be following your doctor's advice for diet, exercise and rest. Despite your best efforts, your foot condition has not improved enough…or it has gotten worse. The primary goal of a surgical approach will be to stabilize the joint damaged by disease, stop the progression of the problem, and may help you regain some of your lost function.

Stabilizing a damaged joint.

Whether your ankle requires stabilization (arthrodesis) or repair, your foot and ankle specialist has access to specially designed high-tech equipment, supplies and materials that can be used to correct the condition.

Getting back on your feet.

Your foot and ankle specialist will likely allow you to begin using your foot and ankle when it's the right time for you. Although your foot and ankle may be splinted and bandaged for the first few days, a physical therapist may work closely with you as you learn special exercises designed to promote healing and help you work toward restoring lost mobility. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for the care of your sutures and incision site.