Diabetic Foot Deformities: How Diabetes Alters the Complex Structure of the Lower Limb

Foot deformities are a common complication for people with diabetes. The foot, a complex structure of the lower limb, can be affected by chronic hyperglycemia, resulting in muscle imbalance and structural changes that can impact normal walking and weight-bearing capacity. These changes increase the risk of ulcers and infections if left untreated.

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’s structure due to chronic hyperglycemia. This leads to various complications in blood vessels and nerves, resulting in muscle imbalance within the foot. 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.

Common foot deformities in people with diabetes include hammertoes, calluses, big toes, pes cavus, deformed claws, prominent metatarsal heads, charcot feet, and flat feet (pes planus). 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 foot calluses by proper care and maintenance can prevent ulcers and infections.

Regular foot examinations, daily foot care, proper shoe selection