Gangrene Foot – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments 

Diabetes is not only about the rise of blood sugar levels, shoot up of blood pressure, and high cholesterol; diabetes is more than that. It affects every part of the body in every possible other way. Foot care is the most important thing to be taken into consideration. The feet of an individual diagnosed with diabetes undergo many challenging issues like foot ulcers, burning feet, ingrown toenails, gangrene feet, and many others. These issues can be handled with professional care and tips from a trustworthy diabetologist, Dr.Durai in Pudukottai, who shares information on handling gangrene foot and care.

What is Gangrene Feet? 

Gangrene Feet is a serious condition in which the affected feet lose their natural appearance and become swollen, discolored, pale, and, in extreme cases, mummified. This happens because the blood flow to the tissue is cut off, and the tissue is no longer alive. In some cases, infections do cause gangrene feet. It also affects other areas like toes, fingers, and soles. People with diabetes should be cautious, as gangrene targets diabetics. 

Types of Gangrene : 

The list of the kinds of gangrene includes dry, wet, gas, and internal gangrenes, with different characteristics for each. Among all the gangrenes, “Dry Gangrene” and “Wet Gangrene” are the most common in people with diabetes. Wet gangrene often occurs because of an infection caused by dead tissue. Injury, unnoticed wounds, and infected open bruises are the portals for gangrene. Dry gangrene occurs because of high blood sugar and damaged arteries.

How it Affects Diabetics: 

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes are more prone to be affected by gangrene for the following reasons: 

Neural Issues: 

Diabetes also affects the nervous system, causing the feet to lose sensation. When this happens, cuts, wounds, blisters, and infections go unnoticed without intention because of the decreased sensation in the foot. Neural issues can also be treated with Durai, the best doctor for diabetes in Pudukottai and other diabetic-related problems. 

Blood Circulation : 

When there is no proper blood circulation to the feet, the blood vessels get damaged. This is because of prolonged high blood sugar. Tissues and cells find it difficult to work naturally without proper oxygen supply. 

Unhealed Infections : 

The function of white blood cells tends to reduce because of the surge in high blood sugar, which, in turn, causes the body to not handle infections and slows its healing process. 

Low Immunity : 

Diabetes results in reduced immunity power; hence, the body becomes weak and does not fight infections. This makes it easier for gangrene to occur in people with diabetes. 

Causes of Gangrene : 

While the causes of gangrene consist of several factors, the following are some of the most common. 

Smoking & Alcohol : 

The presence of two enemies of life, Smoking and Alcohol, certainly damage blood vessels, affect blood circulation, and damage tissues, increasing the chances of gangrene. 

Infection : 

When bacteria or fungi start hitting the tissue and stop the blood flow, there is more likelihood of getting the feet affected by gangrene. 

Blood Flow : 

Reduced blood flow and other issues like atherosclerosis, clotted blood, injury, or trauma can also be the reason for gangrene. 

Diabetes  : 

Diabetes is like a lighthouse for gangrene to occur. Low blood circulation, nerve damage, and high blood sugar cause gangrene in people with diabetes. 

Injury : 

When injuries are not treated due to lack of sensation caused by reduced blood circulation and injuries, trauma left unnoticed causes gangrene. 

Symptoms of Gangrene  : 

• Pain – Both dry and wet gangrene are painful. It causes irritation, swelling, and numbness in some cases.
• Blisters – Generally wet gangrene causes swelling and blisters with fluids inside. 
• Change of Color – The gangrene-affected area may undergo discoloration and become pale, purple, reddened, blackened 
• No Signs – People with diabetes and neuro problems find no sign of gangrene because of the lack of sensation. And feel no pain. 
• Bad Odor – Wet gangrene, due to the active bacterial effect cause, foul smell, and rotten smell. 

Treatment for Gangrene : 

Gangrene treatment differs according to the type and seriousness of gangrene affected. 

• Controlling Blood Sugar – For diabetics with gangrene, trying to manage blood sugar levels and keeping it in control is essential. 
• Good Blood Flow – Gangrene occurs because of low or poor blood flow to the feet. Taking measures to improve blood circulation can help with gangrene. 
• Wound Management – For diabetics affected by gangrene, paying more attention to the wound or infection and keeping the feet clean and dry is ultimately necessary to prevent the disease from spreading and getting worse. 
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy – This is a procedure used when antibiotics don’t respond to the infection. It can be helpful. In this process, oxygen inhalation in an enclosed room that kills bacteria is followed. 
• Surgery – In extreme cases, the tissues, infected or dead, are removed by surgeries to stop the gangrene from spreading. When this issue becomes worse, the chances of getting the feet amputated become the only option left. 

When gangrene is identified beforehand and treated with proper monitoring and medical guidance from a doctor like Durai, who’s the best doctor for diabetes and foot care in Pudukottai, the situation of amputating the limbs and searching for surgical solutions can be avoided. For queries on treatments or doctor appointments, visit https://drduraisdiabeticcare.com/ website or mail us at dr.duraisdiabetes@gmail.com.