Diabetic Foot Prevention in Riyadh: Complete Patient Guide
Comprehensive guide to preventing diabetic foot complications and avoiding amputation: early signs, daily inspection, foot care, footwear selection, and when to seek emergency care. By Dr. Hazim Sakalla.
Diabetic foot is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and leads to thousands of amputations annually. The good news: over 80% of these cases are preventable with simple daily inspection and proper foot care.
Understanding the Problem
Diabetic foot is not a single condition but a complex of complications arising from three combined factors:
- Diabetic neuropathy: Nerve damage causes loss of pain and temperature sensation.
- Peripheral arterial disease: Narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to feet.
- Weakened immunity: High blood sugar weakens the immune system, allowing rapid infection.
Early Warning Signs
- Loss of sensation or numbness in feet
- Tingling or burning, especially at night
- Skin color changes — pallor, abnormal redness, or bluish hue
- Dry, cracked skin, especially at the heel
- Slow wound healing
- Cold feet or loss of hair on the foot
- Foot shape deformity (Charcot foot)
Daily Foot Care Routine
1. Daily Inspection — The Most Important
Check daily (ideally after showering) for wounds, blisters, color changes, cracks (especially between toes), and anything that looks different from yesterday.
2. Proper Hygiene
- Wash daily with lukewarm (not hot) water and gentle soap.
- Test water temperature with your hand or thermometer.
- Dry thoroughly, especially between toes.
3. Regular Moisturizing
- Use fragrance-free moisturizer daily.
- Never between toes — creates damp environment for fungi.
- For dry heels, use urea-based creams (10-20%).
4. Careful Nail Trimming
- Cut nails straight across to avoid ingrown nails.
- File edges smooth.
- If nails are thick, see a podiatrist.
Choosing the Right Footwear
- Wide toe box, low heel (under 2 cm)
- Soft interior materials
- Supportive arch
- Break in new shoes gradually
- Inspect inside daily for pebbles or folds
- Change socks daily — diabetic socks without seams are ideal
- Never walk barefoot
When to See a Doctor Immediately
- Wound not healing after 3 days
- Redness, swelling, warmth
- Wound drainage or pus
- Foul odor
- Skin turning black or blue
- Fever with foot wound
- Sudden severe pain
- Sudden foot deformity without injury
Treatment When Ulcer Appears
Specialized treatment at our foot and ankle clinic in Riyadh includes:
- Wound debridement
- Antibiotics — oral or IV depending on severity
- Pressure offloading with medical shoes or casts
- Blood sugar control
- Reconstructive vascular surgery if needed
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in advanced cases
- Reconstructive foot surgery to avoid amputation
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Consult Dr. Hazim Sakalla
If you are a diabetic patient and need a comprehensive foot examination, book with Dr. Hazim Sakalla at SMC Healthcare in Riyadh via WhatsApp +966 56 122 5544.