Keep Your Feet Protected Against Gangrene

Keep Your Feet Protected Against Gangrene

Are you at risk for diabetic foot complications?Have you experienced frostbite or been diagnosed with diabetes? If you answered yes, then you may be at risk for a tissue damaging disease. If you have diabetes, any sensations of numbness or tingling in your feet should be of high alert. You may be aware of risks and foot conditions common with diabetes such as - neuropathy, ulcers, and poor circulation.  But remember that numbness and tingling can be warning signs that something is off. However, another serious medical concern often caused by diabetes is gangrene.  In order to protect your feet from developing gangrene, being aware of the warning signs and symptoms is crucial.

What is gangrene?

The condition occurs when living tissue begins to decay and die because of the loss of blood flow to an area where harmful bacteria have invaded from a wound or sore. Symptoms of tingling or numbness in the feet are warning signs, followed by severe pain as the tissue begins to die. Eventually, the temperature of the skin drops and the color of the tissue turns black. Although gangrene most commonly occurs in the feet of people with diabetes, frostbite and arteriosclerosis are other triggers.

Is there treatment available for those diagnosed with gangrene?

If gangrene is detected in the foot, common forms of treatment include surgery, medication and rehabilitation therapy depending on the severity of the condition.

How can gangrene be prevented?

Preventing this severe condition can be as simple of taking care of yourself, including your feet. Since diabetics have an increased risk for developing gangrene, maintaining control of blood glucose levels is critical. Avoiding environmental trauma, such as frostbite, and avoiding tobacco are the best ways to protect yourself against developing this damaging disease.

It’s best to act quickly when detecting warning signs of gangrene or other foot complications. Receiving proper treatment right away will help prevent further damage and increase your healing process. If you’ve been experiencing questionable symptoms in your feet, don’t hesitate to contact our office so we can help ensure your foot health!