Foot deformities are a common complication among people with diabetes. The foot is a complex structure of the lower limb, made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that support standing, moving, and balance adjustments. The quality of gait is closely linked to overall health.
Dr. Lam Van Hoang, Head of the Department of Endocrinology – Diabetes at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City explains that diabetic foot complications can alter the foot structure due to chronic hyperglycemia. This can lead to various complications in blood vessels and nerves, resulting in muscle imbalance within the foot. These structural changes can affect normal walking, weight-bearing capacity, and increase the risk of ulcers and infections if not treated promptly.
There are several common foot deformities seen in people with diabetes such as hammertoes, calluses, big toes (hallux valgus), pes cavus (high-arched feet), deformed claws (clawed toes), prominent metatarsal heads (enlarged toe bones), charcot feet (foot drop) and flat feet (pes planus). Treatment for diabetic foot deformities should be tailored to each patient’s condition, focusing on reducing foot pressure, correcting deformities and managing systemic medical conditions.
Measuring foot pressure is crucial for identifying risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers by pinpointing areas of increased pressure on the feet. Techniques such as cutting tendons to reduce toe curling and using devices to correct deformities help adjust foot flexion. Treating ingrown toenails and calluses by proper care and maintenance including wearing properly fitting shoes can prevent ulcers and infections.
Regular foot examinations by healthcare providers are essential practices for people with diabetes as they help prevent foot deformities and complications. Daily foot care practices such as proper cleaning and moisturizing of feet are also important as they help maintain healthy skin that does not crack or become infected easily. Proper shoe selection is another critical aspect of preventing diabetic foot problems as it helps distribute weight evenly across the sole of the shoe without putting undue strain on any one part of the