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.