Diabetic Foot Syndrome
The Diabetic Foot Syndrome affects people with long-standing and poorly controlled diabetes. It impacts various systems, including the kidneys, eyes, skin, blood vessels, nerves, etc.
As is often the case in medicine, prevention is the most important aspect. Performing a timely vascular and neurological study can prevent many future problems.
These tests help detect sensory alterations such as loss of touch, pain, or vibration, and evaluate the response of nerves and muscles. Tools like the monofilament, tuning fork, and other sensitivity tests are used to identify neurological conditions. Vascular tests, such as palpation of pulses in the foot and tests like the ABI (Ankle-Brachial Index), TBI (Toe-Brachial Index), TcpO2 (Transcutaneous Oxygen Pressure), are essential for early diagnosis and referral to vascular surgery.
Tuning fork
The tool used to evaluate vibratory sensitivity in the feet and lower extremities is a tuning fork. It assesses deep sensitivity and consists of a metal instrument that, when struck, emits a low-frequency vibration (128Hz). This tool helps detect possible neurological alterations, such as peripheral neuropathies or nerve damage, since these conditions can affect the patient's ability to feel vibration in the areas of the feet. This exam is particularly important for patients with diabetes or those showing symptoms of sensory loss in their feet.
Monofilament
The monofilament is a tool used to assess tactile sensitivity in the feet. It consists of a thin, flexible nylon thread that is applied at different points on the foot with standardized pressure. Its main function is to detect loss of sensitivity in areas of the foot, which is crucial for preventing injuries and ulcers that may go unnoticed due to lack of perception. When the monofilament touches the skin, the patient should be able to feel the pressure; if they cannot, it indicates a possible alteration in sensitivity, which could suggest neuropathy. This test is quick, painless, and essential for early diagnosis of complications related to the nervous system.
Doppler
The doppler allows for the evaluation of blood circulation in the feet and lower extremities. Through this non-invasive technique, which uses high-frequency sound waves, blood flow in the arteries and veins of the feet can be measured, detecting possible circulatory alterations such as venous or arterial insufficiency.
The doppler helps identify circulation problems, especially in patients with diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, this study is useful for assessing the condition of arteries and veins after surgeries, trauma, or in evaluating the risk of diabetic ulcers, helping podiatrists design more effective and personalized treatments to improve podiatric health and prevent complications.
Contact
Call 915 01 27 79 or 641 50 84 54 to schedule an appointment. You can also send an email through the contact section and we will respond as soon as possible.
