Warning
BLOODY HEAL
Horrific video shows dangers of diabetes as patient is left with gaping, bloody hole in her foot
IGNORING symptoms of any condition is never a good idea, but when it comes to diabetes it's vital that people are on alert.
That's especially true when it comes to feet, as those with diabetes are 20 times more likely to be at risk of amputation caused by foot problems.
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It was a situation that one woman luckily caught in time - but it still left her with a gaping, bloody hole in the sole of her foot.
The patient went to see Dr Todd Brennan at the Healthy Feet Podiatry clinic in Wesley Chapel, Florida, for help after putting up with it for a year.
He filmed the stomach churning procedure and posted it online to show the dangers of living with diabetes and the treatment needed.
Dr Brennan, 35, explained that the woman was suffering with charcot arthropathy, which can be common in diabetics with a poor immune system.
It can be caused by a dislocation, fracture or changes to the shape of foot and if untreated, can lead to the development of ulcers or sores.
Treated with honey
Speaking during the video, Dr Brennan explained: "You can see this on the bottom of her foot, she's had it for over a year.
"She has what we consider charcot foot. The foot gets really convex on the bottom which makes it difficult so then they walk and this is how these wounds start.
"This is actually better and it's progressed over the last couple of months.
"More recently we switched it up to medihoney, which is medical grade honey, and we're putting it on there which is causing it to improve.
"So, you're going to see we'll get a little bit of bleeding here, which isn't a bad thing.
"All this tissue that we're cleaning up is thickened callous tissue so in order for the wound to progress we need to get rid of it so it can heal.
"The good healthy red tissue in the centre is what we want."
14 signs of a serious foot problem if you have diabetes
Having diabetes puts sufferers at a higher risk of serious foot problems.
It means a minor problem with your feet could quickly become something more serious.
Experts say it's important to take time out to sit down and have a proper look at your feet every day.
If you spot any of the following changes, you should see your GP:
- tingling sensation or pins and needles (like numbness)
- pain (burning)
- a dull ache
- shiny, smooth skin on your feet
- hair loss on your legs and feet
- loss of feeling in your feet or legs
- swollen feet
- your feet don't sweat
- wounds or sores that don’t heal
- cramp in your calves when resting or walking.
And if you notice any of these changes, see your local foot team urgently:
- changes in the colour and shape of your feet
- cold or hot feet
- blisters and cuts that you can see but don’t feel
- foul smell coming from an open wound
It’s really important to try and sort it out before it gets any worse - no matter how small the change.
A serious foot problem for some people can lead to amputation very quickly.
You may be looked after by many different healthcare professionals, who will tell you what to do next.
The important thing to remember is to keep your weight off your foot.
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He then asks the person holding the camera to show the boot that his patient has been wearing.
"That's called a CROW boot - that stands for charcot, restraint, orthodic walker," he says.
"It's basically a huge boot that we throw on her boot that helps and allows her to ambulate while still taking the pressure off her foot."
As he scrapes away at the hole with a scalpel, he continues to explain what he's doing.
Podiatrist's warning
Dr Brennan says: "The white stuff is just moist or wet tissue if you will from drainage, so that's down to a level we'd want. I'll put some medication on it to help dry it out and this area will continue to grow in.
"Overall the original size of the wound was probably about the size of this whole callous.
"We've made headway. It's a slow process because of, one, being diabetic and, two, where it is.
"If it was on the top of her foot for instance it would heal quite a while ago.
You've got to stay on top of it - compliance is very important because without it then it's all for nothing
Dr Todd Brennan
"These are tough to treat but you've got to stay on top of it - compliance is very important because without it then it's all for nothing.
"Diet control is important, watching your sugars, you don't want them to be in the 300s, but in essence we get it down to a good healthy base and then we progress from there.
"I'm going to wrap her up here now," he says as he pads the hole with gauze.
Dr Brennan adds: "A wet to dry gauze is a really old school basic way to heal an area.
"In essence, you take a wet gauze and then put a dry one over it - just like the name of it sounds - and then you wrap it up."
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MORE ON DIABETES
He then wraps her foot with a bright red gauze.
Symptoms of charcot arthropathy include the foot feeling hot and painful, and looking swollen or red.
It's diagnosed and treated in hospital so if you're concerned it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
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