Diabetic Foot Specialist in Bangalore

The medical term “diabetic foot” refers to a range of foot problems associated with diabetes. According to a diabetic foot specialist in Bangalore, it typically happens as the high blood sugar damages the nerves and blood vessels in the feet, causing numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the feet. The management of this condition includes daily foot care, wearing proper shoes, and seeking medical attention whenever necessary.

Diabetic foot is a serious complication that can arise from diabetes, which can cause diabetic neuropathy in the feet. Because of this, it is important to take proper care of your feet and manage diabetes well. If you develop diabetic foot issues, you should see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early intervention by a diabetic foot specialist in Bangalore is necessary for the treatment to be effective. Choose Gleneagles Hospitals to ensure the best possible care for diabetic feet.

Diabetic foot is a significant complication of high blood sugar that can cause ulceration, neuropathy, or peripheral arterial disease in the feet. Studies have shown that about 5% of all patients with diabetes show symptoms of foot ulceration. This condition can cause consequent trauma to the foot if not taken care of early on. According to a diabetic foot specialist in Bangalore, it can lead to various complications, like infections that do not heal well and gangrene, which may require amputation in severe cases. 

Diabetic foot is classified into 3 major types based on the condition and its symptoms. Here are some common types of diabetic foot conditions:

• Diabetic Neuropathy: This refers to the progressive damage of the nerves in the feet due to high blood sugar levels. It can cause numbness, tingling, and a loss of sensation in the feet.
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Ulcers or open sores and wounds can often develop in the feet of a diabetic person due to poor circulation and nerve damage.
• Skin Complications: These include dry, cracked skin, corns, calluses, and fungal infections due to impaired blood flow and decreased immune response.

According to a diabetic foot specialist in Bangalore, proper diabetic foot treatment can help you avoid major complications like infections and gangrene, which may require amputation in severe cases. Ask your doctor to examine your feet regularly to check for nerve damage and poor circulation. Here are some common cases where diabetic foot management is needed:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This refers to the loss of sensation in the foot that can lead to foot trauma and ulcers.
• Poor Circulation: High blood sugar can lead to poor circulation in the feet, which can lead to slow healing and other complications.
• Uncontrolled Blood Sugar: Poor glycemic control can lead to complicated conditions like foot ulcers.
• Structural Abnormality: High blood sugar in diabetes patients can lead to changes in foot structure or deformities that require specialised medical attention.

A proper care plan for diabetic foot management is necessary to reduce complications.

• Daily Foot Care Routine: You should ideally wash your feet 2-3 times a day with mild soap and lukewarm water. Do not forget to dry your feet thoroughly, especially the space between your toes. Apply a diabetic-friendly moisturiser on your feet, but avoid putting any between the toes.
• Regular Inspection: Since in diabetic feet, one may lose sensation in the feet, you should inspect your legs daily for signs of cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or infection.
• Proper Footwear Selection: Wear well-fitted, closed-toed shoes that have cushioned soles. You should avoid high heels & tight shoes and walk barefoot as much as possible.
• Nail & Skin Care: Trim the nails to avoid ingrown toenails. Avoid treating corns, calluses, or blisters at home by yourself and seek professional help.
• Blood Sugar Control: You should always try to maintain a proper blood sugar level to prevent nerve damage and poor circulation in cases of diabetic foot. Make necessary lifestyle adjustments to improve your condition.
• Professional Check-ups: You should see a podiatrist regularly to check for complications in diabetic foot conditions. Get immediate medical attention for unusual symptoms.
• Avoiding Injury & Enhancing Circulation: You should avoid exposure to extreme heat and cold temperatures. You should try to elevate your feet while sitting and boost circulation by wriggling your toes. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, which can cause issues with blood circulation. 

A proper treatment plan is required for diabetic foot conditions to achieve optimal healing and avoid complications.

• Assessment & Diagnosis: A skilled diabetic foot specialist in Bangalore will perform a comprehensive foot exam and identify any complications like neuropathy, infections, ulcers, deformities, or gangrene. In cases of neuropathy, they would use monofilament testing to understand the extent of the nerve damage. They would also assess blood flow using Doppler ultrasound in cases of poor circulation.
• Wound & Ulcer Management: Your primary healthcare provider for diabetic foot will clean your wounds with sterile saline solution and apply an appropriate dressing to the wound. They would remove dead tissue to aid the healing process. You will be recommended to apply topical antibiotics if the infection persists.
• Infection Control: In cases of serious infections, you will be prescribed oral or IV antibiotics for the infected wounds. You will be monitored for signs of systemic infection. In case of fungal infections, you might be given antifungal creams or medications.
• Blood Sugar & Circulation Management: You will be guided on how to optimise your blood sugar level with necessary adjustments in diet, medication, and lifestyle. You might be recommended antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy if the circulation is poor. You should engage in light exercise to improve blood flow.
• Pain & Neuropathy Management: You will be prescribed pain relievers to manage discomfort. Neuropathy medication and topical treatments will also be recommended in specific cases.
• Footwear & Pressure Relief: You should opt for custom orthotics or diabetic shoes as per the doctor’s advice. You will be advised against barefoot walking to prevent injuries.
• Surgical Intervention: You will be asked to consider surgical debridement for severe infections. Vascular surgery or angioplasty might be recommended in cases where circulation is being compromised severely. Amputation is necessary in extreme cases like severe gangrene or life-threatening infections.
• Patient Education & Follow-up: You will be educated about proper foot care, hygiene maintenance, and self-examination techniques. You should schedule regular podiatrist visits every 3–6 months. You will be encouraged to stop smoking and adopt healthy lifestyle choices. 

According to the diabetic foot specialist in Bangalore, the diabetic foot has serious complications if not taken care of properly.

• Foot Ulcers: Diabetic foot patients are at an increased risk of foot ulcers due to poor circulation and nerve damage.
• Infections: Diabetic foot patients can experience infections that can lead to serious conditions like gangrene.
• Amputation: It is a potentially lifesaving procedure that might be necessary to prevent the spreading of infection.
• Charcot's Foot: A change in the shape of the foot is sometimes seen due to nerve damage.
• Fungal Infections: Diabetic foot patients are at risk of fungal infections where the nails become discoloured, thick, or brittle. 

Gleneagles Hospitals is the ultimate destination for the best diabetic foot management, with the top diabetic foot specialists in Bangalore and modern treatment methods. Our multidisciplinary team curates personalised treatment plans to meet the individual needs of patients. We have advanced diagnostic and comprehensive management for complex cases with a high success rate. Here are some of the reasons Gleneagles Hospital is considered one of the best hospitals for diabetes management in Bangalore:

• Expert Specialists: Our skilled diabetologists, podiatrists, vascular surgeons, and wound care specialists offer comprehensive patient care.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our advanced diagnostic labs and treatment methods contribute to our high success rate.
• 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care: We provide round-the-clock medical support for diabetic foot emergencies.
• World-Class Infrastructure: Our modern operating rooms and recovery units provide complete comfort to patients.
• High Success Rate: The hospital has proven itself with remarkable success rates over the years.