‘Foot ulcers, major cause of amputation in diabetic patients’

A resident doctor in Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr Segun Fadare, on Thursday said that foot ulcers are a major cause of amputation in diabetic patients.
Fadare, of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Apata, Ibadan, said that diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes mellitus.
“Diabetic foot problems like ulcerations, infections and gangrene are the most common causes of morbidity and disability among diabetic patients.
“Early recognition and management of independent risk factors for ulcers and amputations can prevent or delay the onset of adverse outcome,’’ the physician said.
He said that diabetic foot ulcers could result from nerve and vascular blood vessel complications of diabetes.
According to him, nerve damage due to diabetes causes complete loss of feeling and sensation in the foot.
“Pressure from shoes, cuts, bruises, or any injury to the foot may go unnoticed due to loss of feeling.
“The loss of protective sensation stops the patient from being warned that the skin is being injured and may result in skin loss, blisters and ulcers,’’ Fadare said.
According to him, foot ulcers can be prevented through appropriate patient education on daily foot inspection and cleansing of the feet, among others.
The doctor said that foot hygiene, nail care and proper footwear were crucial to reducing the risk of injuries that could result in ulcer formation.
“Patients should be aware of the importance of appropriate protective footwear to prevent foot ulcers, and proper inspection of the shoes to ensure good support and fit.
“Minor wounds should be given prompt medical evaluation and treatment; clean and well moisturised feet are very important preventive measures,’’ he said.
Fadare said foot ulcers in patients with diabetes should be treated promptly to reduce the risk of infection and amputation.