When to Consider Foot and Ankle Surgery for Diabetic Patients

If you are diabetic, you probably already know to take extra precautions when it comes to your feet. Living with diabetes can increase your risk of developing nerve damage and circulation issues. In some cases, complications may require surgery.

Below, we discuss diabetic foot complications and why your doctor might recommend surgery to treat it.

Diabetic Foot Complications

A very common complication of diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, which affects sensation in the feet. Neuropathy can make it difficult to feel when you cut or scrape your skin. Undetected and untreated, the wound could become infected.

Poor circulation from diabetes can slow wound healing. The infection can easily spread to the underlying tissues, at which point it becomes an ulcer. A diabetic ulcer is a wound that involves deeper layers of tissue.

A podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon can perform surgery to remove the infected tissue and prevent the infection from spreading further up the leg. In severe cases of infection and tissue damage, the doctor may perform an amputation.

When to Consider Foot and Ankle Surgery for Diabetics?

The foot and ankle surgeon may recommend foot and ankle surgery for complications such as:

1.     Non-Healing Ulcers

Foot ulcers that do not heal may benefit from tissue debridement and wound care to promote healing.

2.     Charcot Foot

Nerve damage can weaken and break the bones and joints in the foot. Surgery can help realign and stabilize the foot.

3.     Severe Infections or Abscesses

During surgery, the surgeon drains an abscess or removes infected tissue to prevent the spread of infection.

4.     Structural Deformities

Bunions, hammertoe, and claw toe are deformities that can increase the risk of friction and skin breakdown.

5.     Achilles Tendon Repair

Diabetics may experience rupture or degeneration of the Achilles tendon. Surgery can be used to lengthen the tendon and reduce pressure on certain areas of the foot.

Podiatrists usually have the goal of not just relieving a patient’s symptoms but also reducing the risk of amputation for the patient and preserving their limbs.

Signs Your Diabetic Foot or Ankle Condition Needs Surgery

There are several signs that indicate that your diabetic foot or ankle condition may need surgery, including:

  • Chronic pressure wounds
  • Wounds that do not heal
  • Infections that keep coming back
  • Severe neuropathy pain
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet or ankles
  • Changes in the shape or appearance of the foot or ankle

Reach out to your foot doctor for even the slightest injury or changes in your feet. Even the mildest injury is serious for individuals with diabetes.

Preparing for Foot or Ankle Surgery

Patients are advised to have their diabetes controlled before undergoing surgery. To determine this, doctors order a simple blood test called hemoglobin A1c, which measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. The ideal pre-surgery A1c level is 7% or less, which indicates the patient’s diabetes is not high and is well-controlled. A 7% or lower hemoglobin A1c level can significantly reduce risk of complications. It is crucial to adhere to the surgeon’s instructions regarding activity level and weight-bearing status.

Foot and Ankle Care in Catonsville, Columbia, Eldersburg, and Fulton, MD

Our board-certified podiatrists at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland, Dr. Marc Lipton and Dr. Hayden Hoffler, provide excellent diabetic foot and wound care. With proper diabetic foot management, we aim to prevent complications such as ulcers and amputation. Our podiatrists perform a thorough foot exam at every visit and guide our patients on how to care for their feet.

To schedule an appointment, use our online request form or call our office today at (410) 644-1880. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving your podiatric needs!