Diabetic Foot Complications and Medical Negligence
Competent care of the foot in a diabetic patient is crucial to avoid long-term debilitating problems. A failure of medical care may be regarded as negligent.
Diabetes and complications with the feet
Being diabetic may put a person's feet at an increased risk of physical complications and injuries. If medical professionals do not pay scrupulous attention to any signs of problems with the feet of a person with diabetes, severe, long-term and disabling difficulties can arise.
The blood circulation and levels of sensation in the feet can be reduced in someone with diabetes. This can both cause problems as well as reducing the individual's awareness that any difficulties exist. Careful care of the foot and regular medical examination is essential in order to maintain good foot health.
A foot can become damaged, infected or the individual may develop charcot foot without realising until the problem has deteriorated significantly.
Charcot foot and complications
Without a high level of sensation, damage to the foot may pass unobserved by a person with diabetes. The problem with this is that the person may continue to walk and exercise on a foot that has become damaged and deformed, making the problems far worse.
Ultimately, the damage may be so severe that the individual requires an amputation of the foot to prevent further issues from developing. Even if this extreme outcome is avoided, their mobility may be impaired, having serious consequences on their quality of life and ability to work.
Medical care of charcot foot
Medical professionals need to be alert to the signs and symptoms which might suggest that there is an underlying problem with the foot which requires immediate attention to prevent a worse outcome.
Symptoms of charcot foot include the following:
- Swelling of the foot
- Redness and warmth of the foot
- An ache in the foot
- Signs of deformity in the foot
A failure to assess an individual with diabetes for the signs of charcot foot may be regarded as negligent. A failure to consider that the patient's symptoms may indicate this possible diagnosis might also be regarded as negligent medical care.
Claiming compensation
Untreated charcot foot can be life-changing. If you or a loved one are struggling with the physical, psychological and financial impact of this disabling condition, contact Glynns Solicitors.
As a dedicated medical negligence legal practice, we can offer you the best advice as to the suitability of making a claim for compensation.
Contact us today to talk to a specialist solicitor, free of charge.
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