Foot Attacks: The Silent Threat Diabetic Patients Must Not Ignore

COLOMBO (News 1st); Dr. Nalaka Gunawansa, a Vascular and Transplant Surgeon, has issued a strong advisory to diabetic patients, emphasizing the critical importance of foot care in managing the disease and preventing life-altering complications.

He explained that diabetic patients are particularly vulnerable to two major conditions affecting the feet: neuropathy, which damages the nerves, and ischemia, which restricts blood flow due to vascular blockages. These conditions often develop silently and progressively, leading to serious consequences.

“We often talk about heart attacks caused by blocked arteries. But rarely do we discuss ‘foot attacks’—a term we use to describe tissue damage in the feet due to poor blood circulation, which can ultimately lead to amputation,” Dr. Gunawansa stated.

He further elaborated that prolonged diabetes can cause calcium deposits in the blood vessels of the feet, thickening the arterial walls and severely limiting blood flow. This can result in tissue death, discoloration, and in extreme cases, the loss of toes or entire limbs.

Early symptoms include burning sensations, numbness, and tingling in the feet. Over time, patients may lose all sensation, making them unaware of injuries such as cuts or infections.

In countries like Sri Lanka, where walking barefoot indoors is common, even minor injuries from pebbles or sharp objects can go unnoticed and become dangerously infected.

Dr. Gunawansa also highlighted the risk of fungal infections between toes due to poor hygiene and close toe placement, as well as changes in nail color and texture. Discoloration and temperature changes in the feet may indicate the onset of gangrene, a condition that can lead to irreversible damage.

He urged diabetic patients to regularly inspect their feet, wear protective footwear, and seek medical attention for any abnormalities, no matter how minor they may seem.