Diabetic Foot – Early Signs, Treatment & When Surgery Is Required
Advanced Diabetic Foot Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
What Is Diabetic Foot?
Diabetic foot is a serious complication of diabetes where:
✔ Nerves get damaged (neuropathy)
✔ Blood supply reduces (peripheral vascular disease)
✔ Wounds heal slowly
✔ Minor injuries turn into ulcers
If untreated, it can lead to severe infection or even amputation.
India has one of the highest numbers of diabetic patients — making diabetic foot a major health concern.
Why Does Diabetic Foot Develop?
Long-term uncontrolled diabetes causes:
1️⃣ Nerve Damage (Neuropathy)
✔ Reduced sensation
✔ Patient doesn’t feel injury
✔ Burns or cuts go unnoticed
2️⃣ Poor Blood Circulation
✔ Slow healing
✔ Higher infection risk
3️⃣ Reduced Immunity
✔ Infection spreads rapidly
Even a small crack in the heel can become dangerous.
Early Warning Signs
✔ Numbness in feet
✔ Tingling or burning sensation
✔ Change in skin color
✔ Swelling
✔ Non-healing wound
✔ Foul smell from wound
✔ Black discoloration (gangrene – emergency)
Early consultation prevents major complications.
Stages of Diabetic Foot
Stage 1 – High Risk Foot
✔ No ulcer
✔ Loss of sensation
Stage 2 – Ulcer Formation
✔ Open wound
✔ May or may not be infected
Stage 3 – Deep Infection
✔ Pus collection
✔ Tissue damage
Stage 4 – Gangrene
✔ Tissue death
✔ May require urgent surgery
How Is Diabetic Foot Evaluated?
✔ Clinical examination
✔ Blood sugar levels
✔ Doppler study (blood flow assessment)
✔ X-ray (if bone infection suspected)
✔ Wound culture
Proper evaluation guides treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on stage.
✔ Strict Blood Sugar Control
Foundation of all treatment.
✔ Antibiotics
If infection present.
✔ Wound Dressing
Regular sterile dressing is crucial.
✔ Debridement
Removal of dead tissue surgically.
✔ Minor Surgical Procedures
Drainage of pus or infected tissue removal.
✔ Major Surgery (If Delayed)
In advanced gangrene cases, partial amputation may be required.
Early treatment avoids major surgery.
What Is Debridement?
Debridement is a minor surgical procedure where:
✔ Dead tissue is removed
✔ Infection is controlled
✔ Healing improves
It is often done under local or short anesthesia.
When Is Amputation Required?
Only in severe cases where:
✔ Infection spreads rapidly
✔ Blood supply is severely compromised
✔ Life-threatening sepsis risk
Goal is always limb preservation whenever possible.
Prevention of Diabetic Foot
✔ Daily foot inspection
✔ Wear comfortable footwear
✔ Avoid walking barefoot
✔ Control blood sugar strictly
✔ Regular foot examination
✔ Moisturize but keep spaces between toes dry
Prevention is always better than surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bhanushali?
✔ Early stage detection
✔ Structured diabetic wound care
✔ Limb preservation focus
✔ Surgical expertise in complex infections
✔ Multidisciplinary coordination
Patients in Thane receive safe and timely diabetic foot management.
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment
Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi
Thane West – 400602
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No. 4, Laxmi Krupa Building
Edulji Road, Charai
Thane West – 400602
Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
