02 Feb Gangrene of the foot (Orthotic Help)
Gangrene of the foot
Gangrene is a serious condition where a loss of blood supply causes body tissue to die. It can affect any part of the body but typically starts in the toes, feet, fingers and hands. Credit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gangrene/
Gangrene requires urgent medical intervention to limit the amount of tissue death caused. In the most serious of cases, amputation may be necessary.
Gangrene is linked with diabeties (link to diabetic foot and diabetic ulcer articles) and can be an issue if a diabetic patient has an injury that they are unware of due to reduced blood circulation and a lack of sensation in their feet.
There are 2 types of gangrene, wet and dry.
Wet gangrene, usually associated with infection of dead tissue, can spread rapidly and can be identified by swelling and blisters which may burst and sometimes the presence of pus.
Dry gangrene tends to develop slightly slower that Wet gangrene. The skin in the affected area may be dry and become dark in colour. Dry gangrene can lead to wet gangrene if it becomes infected.
Signs of gangrene can range from discolouration in the affected area (turning from red to black in dry gangrene and becoming wet with a foul smelling in wet gangrene), a marked difference in the appearance compared to that of the healthy part of the skin, loss of sensation and pain.