Management of the diabetic foot.
Treatment of diabetic foot pathology requires an accurate assessment of the etiologic factors involved. Dysvascular deterioration may be amenable to vascular reconstruction. When the vascular status cannot be improved, however, amputation is preferable to continued conservative care. Neuropathic ulceration is the product of decreased sensation, deformity, and increased pressure at the site of the ulcer. Pressure relief by conservative or surgical means is required for healing. Neuroarthropathy is increasing in frequency and results primarily from autonomic denervation. Protection from weight bearing and orthotic control usually minimize deformity and ultimately restore the patient to an ambulatory status. Surgical intervention in neuroarthropathy may be effective when conservative means fail. All efforts at treatment may be undermined by poor compliance. Patient education, reinforced at each clinic visit, makes the patient a part of the treatment team.
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Related Subject Headings
- Skin Ulcer
- Orthopedics
- Humans
- Foot Diseases
- Diabetes Complications
- Arthropathy, Neurogenic
- 3202 Clinical sciences
- 1103 Clinical Sciences
Citation
Published In
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Skin Ulcer
- Orthopedics
- Humans
- Foot Diseases
- Diabetes Complications
- Arthropathy, Neurogenic
- 3202 Clinical sciences
- 1103 Clinical Sciences