Diabetes-Related Foot Conditions

Causes

The primary causes of diabetes-related foot complications include:

Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels can result in reduced or absent sensation, particularly in the feet, allowing injuries to go unnoticed.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD reduces blood flow to the lower extremities, delaying wound healing and increasing the risk of infection and tissue breakdown.

Additional contributing factors include:

• Poorly controlled blood glucose levels
• Wearing ill-fitting footwear
• Improper foot hygiene
• Smoking (which further impairs circulation)
• Lack of regular foot exams

Types

People with diabetes are at increased risk for a range of foot complications, including:

• Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Open wounds, commonly found on pressure points, that are slow to heal and prone to infection
• Infections: Including cellulitis, abscesses, and osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
• Calluses and Corns: Can lead to skin breakdown or pressure ulcers
• Fungal Infections: Such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus
• Ingrown Toenails: May lead to localized infection
• Structural Changes: Such as hammertoes, bunions, and Charcot foot

Approximately 15% of patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Early identification and treatment significantly reduce the risk of progression to amputation.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the severity of tissue and vascular damage in diabetic foot conditions. At RIVEA, evaluation involves:

• Clinical Examination: Detailed inspection for wounds, ulcers, or color changes.
• Pulse and Circulation Assessment: Checking blood flow through pulse examination and Doppler ultrasound.
• Touch and Sensory Tests: Assessing nerve function and sensitivity loss.
• Laser Temperature Testing and Photoplethysmography (PPG): Measuring skin temperature and blood volume changes to detect poor circulation.
• Blood Pressure Cuff Testing: Evaluating arterial pressure in the lower limbs to detect blockages early.

Prevention

Preventive care plays a vital role in avoiding diabetic foot complications. Key steps include:

• Maintain blood sugar control: Keep HbA1c below 7% to prevent nerve and vessel damage.
• Quit smoking: Improves circulation and reduces risk of foot ulcers.
• Monitor blood flow: Regular vascular check-ups and Doppler screenings.
• Stay hydrated and active: Gentle walking enhances circulation.
• Use protective footwear: Orthotic or custom-fitted shoes help prevent pressure sores and injuries.
• Inspect feet daily: Early detection of wounds, redness, or swelling prevents escalation.

Treatment

Management of diabetic foot conditions requires a multidisciplinary approach aimed at controlling infection, improving circulation, and promoting healing.

Initial Treatment:

• Topical therapies such as medicated ointments, artificial skin substitutes, or antibiotic beads may be used to promote healing and prevent infection.
• Infected or necrotic tissue must be surgically cleaned or debrided before local therapies can be effective.

Comprehensive Care:

Treatment is typically coordinated among multiple specialists:

• Foot and Ankle Surgeon / Podiatrist – for wound care and structural correction.
• Vascular Surgeon – to restore blood flow and address circulation issues.
• Endocrinologist / Physician – to optimize blood sugar control and manage metabolic factors.

This integrated approach ensures both infection control and long-term limb preservation.

Why RIVEA

RIVEA Vascular Institute specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot complications, with a focus on early intervention and limb preservation.

Our hybrid operating room makes treatment faster and safer. Imaging and intervention happen in the same space, so patients can move from diagnosis to treatment without delay.

The team at RIVEA has extensive experience in limb salvage, performing advanced endovascular procedures that reopen blocked arteries and help wounds heal naturally. Using high-resolution imaging, we map circulation problems in detail and plan each step carefully.

Diabetic foot care often needs more than one specialist. At RIVEA, vascular experts work closely with endocrinologists, wound care professionals, and podiatrists to ensure every aspect of care is coordinated.

Our treatments are minimally invasive, lowering infection risk and helping patients recover faster. Even those with multiple health conditions can benefit from these precise, targeted approaches.

Every step at RIVEA is guided by experience, advanced technology, and a commitment to helping patients keep their feet healthy and their independence intact.