The lack of feeling in the lower extremities make it difficult and possibly impossible to respond to injury.If the patient cannot feel danger,the patient does not know if he or she is at risk. An innocent walk across the parking lot may result in severe burns of the feet. Peripheral neuropathy can also affect the muscles of the feet and legs leading to mal-alignment of the foot which can result in significant pressure points.These,in turn lead,to ulcerations, infections, resulting in amputations.
Individuals with diabetes have dramatic increases in ulcerations and damage to the feet.
The diabetic also may be faced with structural problems with the feet including bunions,
corns ,hammer toes-as well as dry skin and possibly ingrowing toenals.
Depending on the type of problem surgery may be indicated.
This is why good control of blood sugar combined with appropriate footcare can prevent many complications:
- peripheral neuropathy can also affect the muscles of the feet and legs leading to mal-alignment of the foot which can result in significant pressure points these in turn lead to ulcerations, infections, resulting in amputations.
- dramatic increases in ulcerations and damage to the feet including severe burns
- structural problems with the feet including bunions, corns, hammertoes
- dry skin and ingrowing toenails.
- gangrene-tissue death due to the absence of blood flow. This most catastrophic complication may be life-threatening if bacterial infection and raised bloodstream become apparent.
Next: TREATMENT OF SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETIC CONDITIONS
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