Mr Nanavati is well-versed in managing the complex foot and ankle conditions associated with diabetes. Unfortunately, diabetes can lead to altered protective mechanisms within the feet which are then susceptible to innocuous injuries without patients being able to notice these. Over time, this can lead to complex deformities, or a condition called ‘Charcot,’ where the foot becomes very inflamed and the joints undergo a self-destructive process. It is important to seek urgent orthopaedic support in these cases to reduce the risk to the foot and ankle. Commonly this condition will require the input of many healthcare professionals (e.g. a diabetologist) alongside an orthopaedic surgeon to optimise outcomes for patients.
Signs of foot conditions within diabetic patients include tingling sensations, pain, changes in skin texture on the foot, hair loss on legs and feet, swelling, wounds that don’t seem to be healing, cold or hot feet and changes in colour and shape.
We reemphasise to see a specialist immediately if you notice any of these changes in your feet and have diabetes. It is important to regularly monitor the condition of your feet if you have diabetes. The sooner intervention and treatment can happen, the better the prognosis of diabetic foot conditions.