Infection, ulceration or destruction of the deep tissues in the lower limbs, present in diabetic patients.
The main cause is the progressive damage that diabetes produces on the nerves (neuropathy) and in the arteries (vasculopathy).
The affected foot's area may be swollen, present changes in the skin's colouration (red, blue, grey or white), red streaks, changes in temperature (hot or cold). There is a characteristic lesion with minimal or absence of pain. If there is an infection, there may be fever, shivers and tremors.
The diagnosis is reached through clinical questioning and a detailed physical examination.
The treatment is focused on the disinfection and healing of the wound, as well as controlling the in-blood glucose levels. Traumatisms to the feet need to be avoided to prevent any further injuries.
- Amy C Weintrob, MD, Daniel J Sexton, MD. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of diabetic infections of the lower extremities. UpToDate. Jun 21, 2016.
- David G Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD, Richard J de Asla, MD, David K McCulloch, MD. Management of diabetic foot ulcers. UpToDate. Jan 27, 2017.
- American Diabetes Association: Statistics about diabetes: diabetes from the national diabetes statistics report, 2014 (released 06/10/14). http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/ (Accessed on September 02, 2015).
- Zhan LX, Branco BC, Armstrong DG, Mills JL Sr. The Society for Vascular Surgery lower extremity threatened limb classification system based on Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) correlates with risk of major amputation and time to wound healing. J Vasc Surg 2015; 61:939.
- Powers A. Diabetes Mellitus: complicaciones. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 2422:2430.
