Peripheral Arterial Disease | Dr.Somesh Diabetic Foot Clinic–
Diabetes patients has increased associated risk of peripheral arterial disease.
Any wound/ ulceration or infection in foot requires more blood supply to foot for wound healing, in patients with peripheral arterial disease extra blood supply that requires for wound healing is not sufficient, hence leading to tissue death and further increase in infection.
So,foot ulceration or infection in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease increases risk of amputation.
Hence it is essential to identify and treat coexisting peripheral arterial disease in diabetic patients before getting ulceration/ wounds.
Peripheral arterial disease assessment-
Foot examination with clinically palpable vessels in foot named dorsalis pedis artery and posterior tibial artery suggest adequate blood supply to foot
If peripheral pulses are not felt,there are tests to detect peripheral arterial disease
Ankle brachial index(ABI)-less than 0.7
Toe pressure less than 40mmHg
Transcutaneous oxygen tension(TcPO2) less than 30 mmHg
Arterial Doppler lowerlimbs
All these tests are non invasive tests to detect peripheral arterial disease.
Peripheral arterial disease treatment-
Depending upon severity of lesion treatment varies
Medical therapy with antiplatelet drugs and drugs like cilostazol.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.
Peripheral bypass.
These are treatment options depending upon severity of condition.
