This is foot infections due to diabetes. In diabetes high level of blood sugars damages the nerves and blood vessels, and due to this infections easily spreads in foot. Common organisms affects are Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococci and aerobic gram-negative bacilli.
1. Clinical features :
- Atfirst the foot and ankle gets swelled up.
- Pain in the leg.
- Necrotised tissues and open sores on foot
- Ulcerative lesions
2. Investigations :
- Blood for complete blood count : Increased number of leukocyte count
- Blood sugar level
- Culture of the discharge
- Xray : Can see osteomyelitis
- MRI : If Xray is not enough
3. Treatment :
- Antibiotics therapy : according the organisms affected
- Surgical debridement : This is done for collections, removing necrotised tissues or more extensive osteomyelitis.
- Angioplasty/Bypass surgery : This is to be done with poor peripheral pulses. The distal vascularity can be improved by proximal angioplasty or bypass surgery to the point that infection surgery on the foot may be more successful.
- Amputation : If peripheral neuropathy is severe, amputation below the knee in a more sensitive location may be necessary.