Diabetic foot is a complication of diabetes that can result from uncontrolled glucose levels in the blood, which can lead to poor blood circulation, nerve damage, and weakness.

Symptoms of Diabetic Foot and Foot Ulcers

Usually, the following symptoms appear in cases of diabetic foot ulcers or infections:

• Open, pus-filled ulcers on the affected foot.
• Foul odor emanating from the foot.
• Fluid retention and swelling of the foot.
• Change in nail color and cracking.
• Fever
• Chills.

Complications of Diabetic Foot

If this condition is not treated early, it may cause serious complications such as:

• Skin and bone infections due to nerve damage and poor blood flow.
• Abscesses.
• Foot deformities due to weak foot muscles.
• Charcot foot, a severe inflammation affecting the tissues, bones, and joints of the foot, which can lead to dislocation of joints and bones, and thus deformity and change in foot shape.
• Gangrene, usually caused by poor blood flow and nerves in the foot, which can eventually lead to amputation of the affected part.

Can Diabetic Foot be Treated Using Interventional Radiology?

Diabetic foot can be effectively treated using interventional radiology by expanding the small blood vessels to enhance blood flow to the foot again, thus avoiding amputation or reducing severed parts. Interventional radiology is characterized by being a treatment method with minimal surgical intervention and without general anesthesia, and treatment usually takes about half an hour, after which the patient can resume their normal life.

The success rate of treatment using interventional radiology may exceed about 95%.