Delayed Effects of the Diabetic Foot
Diabetic neuropathy:
Diabetes damages nerves. Therefore pains in the foot are felt to a limited extent only or not at all.
Due to a reduced sensation of pain when walking, the load on the foot is not well balanced, causing false posture, impairment of movement and changes in the static loading on the foot.
Another consequence, often not noticed by the patient, may be a bone fracture, in particular a fracture of the tarsal bone. The malfunction of the nerves results in a reduced production of body sweat – the foot becomes dry, chapped, red and hot.
Peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD):
This disease results in an insufficient blood flow in the legs, causing lesions on the foot to heal poorly. The foot becomes cold, pale or bluish in colour.
PAOD and diabetic neuropathy:
Frequent and regular medical check-ups are extremely important for this type of disease. If an infection of the foot is not recognized early, bacteria may spread into healthy tissue. Due to poor blood circulation, the body’s (endogenous) resistance is limited. The infection may spread to the entire foot and lower leg despite treatment with antibiotics. A foot amputation may become unavoidable.
