“Ask Dr. HKSH” - Diabetic Foot Care

CHUNG Suet Ling, Jessica

Podiatrist

Q1. What is diabetic foot?

Diabetic foot refers to a series of foot complications caused by diabetes, primarily due to prolonged high blood sugar levels that affect blood vessels and damage nerves, particularly the peripheral nerves and capillaries in the feet. Patients may not feel pain and sometimes may not even notice any injury. Also the wounds may become chronic due to poor wound healing, or may lead to serious infection or even amputation.

Q2. I am diabetic and have injured my foot. Will it develop into diabetic foot?

While a foot injury does not necessarily lead to diabetic foot, people with diabetes need to be particularly cautious with any wound. It is crucial to clean the wound daily with antiseptics and cover it with a sterile dressing. If you notice the wound is healing slowly or observe redness or swelling, consult a doctor or a podiatrist as soon as possible. If you are unable to feel pain in the wound, it may indicate peripheral neuropathy, and you should consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Q3. How do I know if I have diabetic foot?

The diagnosis of diabetic foot is best performed by a healthcare professional. According to the recommendations of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot, people with diabetes should undergo a comprehensive foot examination annually, including the assessments of lower limb blood circulation, foot protective sensation and foot pulses. The ankle-brachial pressure index should also be evaluated to ensure it is within normal ranges. If any abnormality is detected, it could be an early sign of diabetic foot. Additionally, healthcare professionals will first examine the skin condition of the feet, such as temperature, colour and joint deformities, before risk assessment.

Q4. How can people with diabetes prevent diabetic foot in their daily lives?

People with diabetes should check their feet daily for any wounds, redness, swelling or deformities. They should also keep their feet clean and dry, avoid walking barefoot, wear appropriate shoes and socks, and beware of sharp objects inside the footwear. Also, they should trim their toenails regularly, avoid cutting too short or too deep. A flat cut is preferred. After trimming, they can file the edges, and if necessary, soak the toenails to soften them before trimming. If the toenails are too thick, a nail file can be used. It is recommended that people with diabetes should undergo a foot examination annually. Furthermore, they should maintain good control of their blood sugar and blood pressure, and in case of smokers, it is best to quit smoking as it helps improve blood circulation in the lower limbs.

Q5. I have diabetic foot and I am also prone to athlete's foot. What should I do?

Athlete’s foot is caused by fungal infection, and people with diabetes have to be particularly cautious. Fungal infection can easily lead to wounds between the toes, which may further trigger a bacterial infection. To prevent athlete’s foot, keep your feet dry and clean, and change your socks frequently. If you notice the toe webs become damp or turning white, you can use gauze to separate the toes or wear toe socks. If the condition persists, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Q6. Can applying honey to diabetic foot wound promote healing?

We do not recommend diabetes patients to handle foot wounds with honey special dressings on their own. . Although honey is antibacterial in nature, it is used clinically as medical-grade honey dressings. When a wound is discovered, it is best to have it assessed by a healthcare professional, as every wound is unique and cannot be treated the same way. After the assessment, follow the wound care instructions by a doctor or healthcare professional. Also, regular follow-up consultations are essential to ensure the wound receives professional treatment.

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https://dpmr.hksh.com/en/dpmr-our-services/podiatry-service

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