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Your active life with diabetic foot syndrome.

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Diabetic foot syndrome: Management, prevention, treatment

Diabetic foot syndrome is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. It can severely restrict the quality of life of affected individuals and their families – and in some cases can be very dangerous. But you can actively counteract this and reduce the risk of diabetic foot syndrome. To achieve this, it is crucial to consult a doctor early and at the right time.

4781499-220106 3031--169-cf(4881902) en
Diabetes mellitus

How are diabetes and diabetic foot syndrome related?

Diabetic foot syndrome is colloquially referred to as the “diabetic foot” and is a complication of diabetes mellitus. In Germany, between seven and nine percent of people suffer from diabetes, of which about 20 to 30 percent develop diabetic foot syndrome, also abbreviated by doctors as DFS.

Diabetic foot syndrome usually occurs in conjunction with sensory neuropathy and/or peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Both factors are the result of inadequately managed diabetes mellitus.

In diabetic neuropathy, i.e. damage to the peripheral nervous system, sensation in the feet is limited. The nerve damage leads to an altered sensation of pain in the feet, so that minor injuries may not be immediately recognised. Reduced or changed sensation in the feet can also affect safety while walking, therefore increasing the risk of injury.

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease is a circulatory disorder. Due to the progressive occlusion of vessels in the leg, the blood supply to the legs and feet is insufficient, which is manifested by reduced wound healing of injured tissue.

If both complications occur together, the risk of initially small injuries developing into open ulcers (sores) is increased. Diabetic foot syndrome is most common in patients with type 2 diabetes. While it is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, you can still do a lot to reduce the risk of this complication.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by constantly elevated blood glucose levels. It is commonly known simply as "diabetes".

The hormone insulin plays a major role in controlling the blood sugar level. Insulin usually ensures that the sugar absorbed in the blood by eating and drinking is transported to the body's cells and converted into energy there. If the body does not produce enough insulin, or if it is ineffective due to resistance, the blood sugar cannot be broken down. A permanently elevated blood sugar level causes damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves, also in the feet. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Complications

Diabetic foot syndrome

A complication of diabetes mellitus is diabetic foot syndrome. Open wounds on the feet are characteristic of the diabetic foot. If an injury has occurred, it is often difficult to heal. Sometimes amputations cannot be avoided if treatment is delayed or if inflammation is particularly complicated. Diabetic foot syndrome is the most common cause of amputations aside from injuries such as accidents. At-risk patients must therefore be identified at an early stage and given medical care. At the same time, it is extremely important for you as a patient to take good care of your feet and your lifestyle. To this end, it is important to first understand diabetic foot syndrome and recognise early signs.

4781499-220106 3060--169-cf(4881903) en

Two variants of diabetic foot syndrome

There are two forms of diabetic foot syndrome. On the one hand, there is the ischemic diabetic foot syndrome. The blood vessels in particular have been damaged as a result of the increased blood sugar level. In neuropathic diabetic foot syndrome, however, the nerves are particularly affected. In one third of cases, both factors come together and the risk of ulceration is particularly high.

Ulcer prevention

What you can do

Minimise risk factors: How to take good care of yourself

Although the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is partially hereditary, factors such as diet and exercise play an important role and can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes. If the disease has already occurred, the same factors remain important to prevent complications such as diabetic foot syndrome. It is therefore worth taking good care of yourself and counteracting further vascular damage, which additionally disrupts blood circulation and wound healing.

Certain pillars of everyday life are particularly important:

  • Proper nutrition: A complete, balanced, mixed diet that is adapted to the patient's individual circumstances. Generally speaking, foods rich in nutrients and fibre that are not highly processed should be eaten. With the right diet, not only can the underlying diabetes be treated, the risk of secondary diseases can also be minimised. It is best to seek medical advice. Professional nutritional advice and special patient training are also useful.

  • A lot of movement: Exercise lowers the blood sugar level. Movement makes the cells more sensitive to insulin, allowing more sugar to be absorbed from the blood.

  • Remain or become a non-smoker: The nicotine in tobacco has a negative effect on blood vessels because it narrows the vessels, promotes circulatory disorders, slows down wound healing and increases the risk of diabetic foot syndrome.

  • Treat high blood pressure: In case of elevated blood pressure, it is important to first reduce your body weight if you are overweight. Exercise and a low-salt diet help. If blood pressure cannot be lowered with lifestyle changes, medication must be administered.

  • Sleep adequately: Frequent lack of sleep represents a permanent stress situation for the body. Sufficient sleep is important for the metabolism, including the glucose metabolism, to rest.

4781470-220106 2344--169-cf(4881910) en

Conscientious foot care and examination

In addition to lifestyle factors, you should definitely keep an eye on your feet. Regular examinations and proper foot hygiene are important.

The right foot examination

  • Check your feet every day for changes. Pressure points and the resulting wounds occur particularly often in certain areas of the feet (see graphic). Attention should also be paid to athlete's foot.

  • A hand mirror can help examine the entire foot, including the sole of the foot and gaps between the toes

  • Special attention should be paid to existing malpositions of the foot bones: Due to increased pressure, these

  • areas are particularly susceptible to wounds. Do not use sharp tools during foot care (only file the nails)

The right foot care

  • You should also receive regular foot care podological treatment

  • Suitable shoes are an important aspect of prevention as well: Appropriate shoes and insoles help prevent pressure points and injuries. The orthopaedic footwear specialist will help you find the right footwear.

  • Once a year, the feet should be thoroughly examined by a doctor.

If you have diabetes, please take good care of yourself. Check your feet every day and seek medical advice in case of abnormalities. If you take good care of yourself, you can also help your professional team with a successful treatment!”

Dr. Stinus
4607124- MMP1192--169-cf(4881906) en
Dr. Stinus
Diabetic foot syndrome

What happens after the diagnosis?

If the doctor determines that you have diabetic foot syndrome, the diagnosis is certainly unsettling at first. However, an interdisciplinary team of professionals specialising in the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome will now ensure that your foot is well looked after. On the medical side, this includes diabetologists, radiologists, internists, microbiologists and vascular and foot surgeons. Specialised wound therapists, podologists (medical foot care specialists) and orthopaedic footwear specialists are just as important. Support from a multidisciplinary team reduces the risk of an amputation. Turning to experienced specialists is important.

-28803 2 45462--169-cf(4881913) en
Disease progression

The different risk classes

The appropriate treatment depends on the patient's current phase of diabetic foot syndrome. Taking certain precautionary measures and regular medical examinations of the feet are important at each stage. If there is no nerve damage (neuropathy), an annual examination is sufficient according to internationally recognised care guidelines. If a wound exists or has ever occurred, the feet should be examined at intervals of one to three months. If the disease is more advanced, it is very important to treat wounds and ulcers early and regularly in order to avoid further complications. Every second amputation performed in connection with diabetic foot syndrome could be avoided. These interventions could be avoided by close medical care, in particular careful wound management.

Complex complications

Ulceration: Acute ulcer

When open wounds develop, that is called ulceration. The degree of the present injury is then decisive for the treatment of the ulcer. Here, diabetologists sometimes resort to the Wagner Armstrong classification – a system based on assessing the depth of the wound, and also on the level of infection and circulatory disorder. This allows the treatment of the foot to be determined.

In any case, the wound must be treated. This is mainly about wound cleaning, so that the wound is regularly freed of dead and inflamed tissue. Special wound dressings are also used to soak up fluid and protect against external infections.

In case of wound infections, antibiotics must also be used to prevent the inflammation from spreading, otherwise it can become life-threatening. Inflamed parts of bones or tissues may need to be surgically removed. Skin or tissue transplantation may also be useful to promote wound healing.

Treatment:

  • Medical treatment of the foot

  • Regular wound treatment

  • Relief of the foot using a plaster cast, relief shoe or orthopaedic shoe

  • If necessary, surgical intervention in case of inflammation

The Charcot foot

The Charcot foot is a complication associated with diabetic foot syndrome. Bone fractures may occur in the affected person's feet, which go unnoticed since no fracture pain is felt. The Charcot foot is also very rare due to diabetes mellitus, but needs immediate treatment. Symptoms may take the form of swelling, reddening and increased warmth of the foot. If suspected, you should avoid exertion and consult a doctor.

Treatment:

  • Complete immobilisation (initially as part of inpatient treatment)

  • Application of a plaster cast, orthosis or rigid plastic bandage

  • Wearing an orthopaedic shoe with a rigid outer sole

  • Regular X-rays during acute inflammation

  • An amputation may be necessary

Amputation

When worsening needs to be prevented

Careful and timely treatment is essential in the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome. If patients are treated by a multidisciplinary foot treatment team and also take good care of themselves and their feet, amputation can very often be avoided.

But sometimes an amputation can still be necessary to prevent the worst. An amputation is considered only if no other treatment option is available:

  • When a toe or foot can no longer be maintained

  • When wound healing is possible only by removing smaller parts of the foot

  • When the inflammation spreads in the leg, muscle tissue in the leg dies or the pain is very severe.

An amputation removes only as little from the foot as possible. A partial amputation, for example of a single toe, is often sufficient. An amputation above the ankle joint is rare. Of course, the idea of an amputation is frightening for patients at first. In certain cases, however, the procedure is a good way to get the disease under control and restore more freedom of movement. Getting a second opinion may also make sense if you are about to have an amputation.

For amputations, a distinction is made between minor and major amputations. In case of amputation due to diabetic foot syndrome, individual toes or parts of the forefoot are removed in a minor amputation. A major amputation is when the entire foot (sometimes with part of the leg) is amputated above the ankle joint.

4781468-220106 2350--169-cf(4881909) en
-23782--169-col(2742471) de (HQ)

Before the leg amputation

Learn about what happens leading up to a planned amputation and how you can prepare yourself.

Diabetic foot syndrome: Management, prevention, treatment

Diabetic foot syndrome is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. It can severely restrict the quality of life of affected individuals and their families – and in some cases can be very dangerous. But you can actively counteract this and reduce the risk of diabetic foot syndrome. To achieve this, it is crucial to consult a doctor early and at the right time.

4781499-220106 3031--169-cf(4881902) en
Diabetes mellitus

How are diabetes and diabetic foot syndrome related?

Diabetic foot syndrome is colloquially referred to as the “diabetic foot” and is a complication of diabetes mellitus. In Germany, between seven and nine percent of people suffer from diabetes, of which about 20 to 30 percent develop diabetic foot syndrome, also abbreviated by doctors as DFS.

Diabetic foot syndrome usually occurs in conjunction with sensory neuropathy and/or peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Both factors are the result of inadequately managed diabetes mellitus.

In diabetic neuropathy, i.e. damage to the peripheral nervous system, sensation in the feet is limited. The nerve damage leads to an altered sensation of pain in the feet, so that minor injuries may not be immediately recognised. Reduced or changed sensation in the feet can also affect safety while walking, therefore increasing the risk of injury.

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease is a circulatory disorder. Due to the progressive occlusion of vessels in the leg, the blood supply to the legs and feet is insufficient, which is manifested by reduced wound healing of injured tissue.

If both complications occur together, the risk of initially small injuries developing into open ulcers (sores) is increased. Diabetic foot syndrome is most common in patients with type 2 diabetes. While it is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, you can still do a lot to reduce the risk of this complication.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by constantly elevated blood glucose levels. It is commonly known simply as "diabetes".

The hormone insulin plays a major role in controlling the blood sugar level. Insulin usually ensures that the sugar absorbed in the blood by eating and drinking is transported to the body's cells and converted into energy there. If the body does not produce enough insulin, or if it is ineffective due to resistance, the blood sugar cannot be broken down. A permanently elevated blood sugar level causes damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves, also in the feet. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Complications

Diabetic foot syndrome

A complication of diabetes mellitus is diabetic foot syndrome. Open wounds on the feet are characteristic of the diabetic foot. If an injury has occurred, it is often difficult to heal. Sometimes amputations cannot be avoided if treatment is delayed or if inflammation is particularly complicated. Diabetic foot syndrome is the most common cause of amputations aside from injuries such as accidents. At-risk patients must therefore be identified at an early stage and given medical care. At the same time, it is extremely important for you as a patient to take good care of your feet and your lifestyle. To this end, it is important to first understand diabetic foot syndrome and recognise early signs.

4781499-220106 3060--169-cf(4881903) en

Two variants of diabetic foot syndrome

There are two forms of diabetic foot syndrome. On the one hand, there is the ischemic diabetic foot syndrome. The blood vessels in particular have been damaged as a result of the increased blood sugar level. In neuropathic diabetic foot syndrome, however, the nerves are particularly affected. In one third of cases, both factors come together and the risk of ulceration is particularly high.

Ulcer prevention

What you can do

Minimise risk factors: How to take good care of yourself

Although the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is partially hereditary, factors such as diet and exercise play an important role and can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes. If the disease has already occurred, the same factors remain important to prevent complications such as diabetic foot syndrome. It is therefore worth taking good care of yourself and counteracting further vascular damage, which additionally disrupts blood circulation and wound healing.

Certain pillars of everyday life are particularly important:

  • Proper nutrition: A complete, balanced, mixed diet that is adapted to the patient's individual circumstances. Generally speaking, foods rich in nutrients and fibre that are not highly processed should be eaten. With the right diet, not only can the underlying diabetes be treated, the risk of secondary diseases can also be minimised. It is best to seek medical advice. Professional nutritional advice and special patient training are also useful.

  • A lot of movement: Exercise lowers the blood sugar level. Movement makes the cells more sensitive to insulin, allowing more sugar to be absorbed from the blood.

  • Remain or become a non-smoker: The nicotine in tobacco has a negative effect on blood vessels because it narrows the vessels, promotes circulatory disorders, slows down wound healing and increases the risk of diabetic foot syndrome.

  • Treat high blood pressure: In case of elevated blood pressure, it is important to first reduce your body weight if you are overweight. Exercise and a low-salt diet help. If blood pressure cannot be lowered with lifestyle changes, medication must be administered.

  • Sleep adequately: Frequent lack of sleep represents a permanent stress situation for the body. Sufficient sleep is important for the metabolism, including the glucose metabolism, to rest.

4781470-220106 2344--169-cf(4881910) en

Conscientious foot care and examination

In addition to lifestyle factors, you should definitely keep an eye on your feet. Regular examinations and proper foot hygiene are important.

The right foot examination

  • Check your feet every day for changes. Pressure points and the resulting wounds occur particularly often in certain areas of the feet (see graphic). Attention should also be paid to athlete's foot.

  • A hand mirror can help examine the entire foot, including the sole of the foot and gaps between the toes

  • Special attention should be paid to existing malpositions of the foot bones: Due to increased pressure, these

  • areas are particularly susceptible to wounds. Do not use sharp tools during foot care (only file the nails)

The right foot care

  • You should also receive regular foot care podological treatment

  • Suitable shoes are an important aspect of prevention as well: Appropriate shoes and insoles help prevent pressure points and injuries. The orthopaedic footwear specialist will help you find the right footwear.

  • Once a year, the feet should be thoroughly examined by a doctor.

If you have diabetes, please take good care of yourself. Check your feet every day and seek medical advice in case of abnormalities. If you take good care of yourself, you can also help your professional team with a successful treatment!”

Dr. Stinus
4607124- MMP1192--169-cf(4881906) en
Dr. Stinus
Diabetic foot syndrome

What happens after the diagnosis?

If the doctor determines that you have diabetic foot syndrome, the diagnosis is certainly unsettling at first. However, an interdisciplinary team of professionals specialising in the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome will now ensure that your foot is well looked after. On the medical side, this includes diabetologists, radiologists, internists, microbiologists and vascular and foot surgeons. Specialised wound therapists, podologists (medical foot care specialists) and orthopaedic footwear specialists are just as important. Support from a multidisciplinary team reduces the risk of an amputation. Turning to experienced specialists is important.

-28803 2 45462--169-cf(4881913) en
Disease progression

The different risk classes

The appropriate treatment depends on the patient's current phase of diabetic foot syndrome. Taking certain precautionary measures and regular medical examinations of the feet are important at each stage. If there is no nerve damage (neuropathy), an annual examination is sufficient according to internationally recognised care guidelines. If a wound exists or has ever occurred, the feet should be examined at intervals of one to three months. If the disease is more advanced, it is very important to treat wounds and ulcers early and regularly in order to avoid further complications. Every second amputation performed in connection with diabetic foot syndrome could be avoided. These interventions could be avoided by close medical care, in particular careful wound management.

Complex complications

Ulceration: Acute ulcer

When open wounds develop, that is called ulceration. The degree of the present injury is then decisive for the treatment of the ulcer. Here, diabetologists sometimes resort to the Wagner Armstrong classification – a system based on assessing the depth of the wound, and also on the level of infection and circulatory disorder. This allows the treatment of the foot to be determined.

In any case, the wound must be treated. This is mainly about wound cleaning, so that the wound is regularly freed of dead and inflamed tissue. Special wound dressings are also used to soak up fluid and protect against external infections.

In case of wound infections, antibiotics must also be used to prevent the inflammation from spreading, otherwise it can become life-threatening. Inflamed parts of bones or tissues may need to be surgically removed. Skin or tissue transplantation may also be useful to promote wound healing.

Treatment:

  • Medical treatment of the foot

  • Regular wound treatment

  • Relief of the foot using a plaster cast, relief shoe or orthopaedic shoe

  • If necessary, surgical intervention in case of inflammation

The Charcot foot

The Charcot foot is a complication associated with diabetic foot syndrome. Bone fractures may occur in the affected person's feet, which go unnoticed since no fracture pain is felt. The Charcot foot is also very rare due to diabetes mellitus, but needs immediate treatment. Symptoms may take the form of swelling, reddening and increased warmth of the foot. If suspected, you should avoid exertion and consult a doctor.

Treatment:

  • Complete immobilisation (initially as part of inpatient treatment)

  • Application of a plaster cast, orthosis or rigid plastic bandage

  • Wearing an orthopaedic shoe with a rigid outer sole

  • Regular X-rays during acute inflammation

  • An amputation may be necessary

Amputation

When worsening needs to be prevented

Careful and timely treatment is essential in the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome. If patients are treated by a multidisciplinary foot treatment team and also take good care of themselves and their feet, amputation can very often be avoided.

But sometimes an amputation can still be necessary to prevent the worst. An amputation is considered only if no other treatment option is available:

  • When a toe or foot can no longer be maintained

  • When wound healing is possible only by removing smaller parts of the foot

  • When the inflammation spreads in the leg, muscle tissue in the leg dies or the pain is very severe.

An amputation removes only as little from the foot as possible. A partial amputation, for example of a single toe, is often sufficient. An amputation above the ankle joint is rare. Of course, the idea of an amputation is frightening for patients at first. In certain cases, however, the procedure is a good way to get the disease under control and restore more freedom of movement. Getting a second opinion may also make sense if you are about to have an amputation.

For amputations, a distinction is made between minor and major amputations. In case of amputation due to diabetic foot syndrome, individual toes or parts of the forefoot are removed in a minor amputation. A major amputation is when the entire foot (sometimes with part of the leg) is amputated above the ankle joint.

4781468-220106 2350--169-cf(4881909) en
-23782--169-col(2742471) de (HQ)

Before the leg amputation

Learn about what happens leading up to a planned amputation and how you can prepare yourself.

Diabetic Foot Syndrome