Podiatric / Diabetic Foot

Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot properly manage blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the nerves and blood vessels in different parts of the body — and the feet are one of the areas most commonly affected.

When the nerves in the feet are damaged (a condition called diabetic neuropathy), a person may not feel pain, heat, or cold properly. This means small injuries like cuts, blisters, or pressure sores can go unnoticed for a long time and turn into serious wounds.

When blood circulation is also reduced (peripheral artery disease), the feet do not get enough oxygen and nutrients to heal properly. Even a small wound can take a very long time to heal or may not heal at all without proper medical care.

What is Podiatric Care?

Podiatric treatment focuses on the health of the feet and lower limbs. For diabetic patients, podiatric care is a very important part of overall diabetes management. It involves regular foot examinations, wound care, managing infections, treating deformities, and advising patients on the right footwear and daily foot care habits.

At Mahalakshmi Multispeciality Hospital, we take podiatric / diabetic foot care very seriously. Our doctors are trained to spot early signs of foot problems and treat them before they turn into something more serious. This is why so many patients across Kallakurichi and Ulundurpet trust us for their foot health.

Why Diabetic Patients Need Special Foot Care

• Reduced ability to feel pain means injuries are often missed
• Poor blood flow makes healing very slow
• The immune system is weaker, making infections more likely
• Small problems like cracked heels or ingrown toenails can become serious wounds
• In severe cases, untreated foot problems can lead to amputation — something that is largely preventable with the right care

Diabetic foot problems can start very quietly. Many patients do not realise there is a problem until the situation has already worsened. This is why it is important to know the warning signs and seek help as soon as possible. 

Early Warning Signs

• Numbness or tingling feeling in the feet or toes
• Burning or shooting pain in the feet, especially at night
• Loss of sensation — you cannot feel temperature or touch properly
• Dry, cracked skin on the heels or soles
• Feet that look pale, bluish, or feel cold to touch
• Swelling in one or both feet
• Changes in the shape of the foot or toes

Signs That Need Immediate Attention

• Open sores or wounds on the feet that are not healing
• Redness, warmth, or swelling around a wound
• Foul smell from the foot
• Discharge or pus coming from a wound
• Black or darkened skin around a wound (this may indicate tissue damage)
• Fever along with foot pain or wound

If you notice any of these signs, please visit Mahalakshmi Multispeciality Hospital as soon as possible. Early treatment makes a very big difference in outcomes. Our team for Podiatric / Diabetic Foot treatment in Kallakurichi is always ready to help.

A thorough and accurate diagnosis is the first step to getting the right treatment. At Mahalakshmi Multispeciality Hospital, we follow a complete diagnostic process that looks at all aspects of your foot health — not just the surface.

Physical Examination

Our doctor will start with a careful physical check of both your feet. This includes looking at the skin condition, checking for any wounds or sores, testing your ability to feel sensations (like light touch, vibration, and temperature), and assessing the pulse in your feet and ankles to check blood flow. 

Diagnostic Tests We Use

• Monofilament test — A simple test to check if you can feel light pressure on the sole of your foot
• Vibration sensation test — To check nerve function in the feet
• Blood sugar tests (HbA1c and fasting glucose) — To understand how well your diabetes is controlled
• Doppler ultrasound — To assess blood circulation in the lower limbs
• X-rays — To check for bone changes, infections, or deformities
• MRI scan — For a more detailed look at soft tissue, bone, and joint involvement when needed
• Wound culture — If there is an infected wound, a sample may be taken to identify the type of bacteria and choose the right antibiotic

All these facilities are available right here at our hospital. Patients looking for Podiatric Treatment in Kallakurichi do not need to travel far for advanced diagnostic care — we have everything under one roof.

Our treatment approach is always personalised. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all plan. Every patient is different, and the treatment we offer will depend on your specific condition, the severity of your foot problem, and your overall health.

Wound Care and Dressing

For open wounds or ulcers, our team provides careful wound cleaning, debridement (removal of dead or infected tissue), and regular dressing changes. We use medically approved dressing materials that support healing and protect the wound from further infection. Our wound care nurses and doctors work closely together to monitor your progress. 

Infection Management

Infections in diabetic feet can spread quickly and become life-threatening if not treated properly. Our doctors prescribe the right antibiotics based on the wound culture results. In cases where the infection has spread to deeper tissues or bone, intravenous (IV) antibiotics or surgical cleaning may be required. We act quickly to bring infections under control. 

Offloading and Pressure Relief

One of the most important parts of healing a diabetic foot wound is taking pressure off the affected area. Our team will guide you on the right footwear, custom insoles, and if needed, special casts or walking boots to keep pressure away from the wound so it can heal properly.

Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatment is not enough, surgery may be needed. This could include:

•  Surgical debridement — Thorough cleaning of deep or severely infected wounds
•  Abscess drainage — Removal of pus from deep infections
•  Bone surgery — For Charcot foot or bone infections (osteomyelitis)
•  Vascular procedures — To improve blood flow to the feet
•  Skin grafting — To cover large wounds once they are clean and healing
•  Reconstructive surgery — For foot deformities that affect walking and increase ulcer risk

Our surgical team is experienced in handling complex diabetic foot cases. Patients seeking Podiatric / Diabetic Foot treatment in Ulundurpet who travel to our hospital in Kallakurichi have consistently received high-quality surgical and post-operative care.

Blood Sugar and Medical Management

Good foot healing is only possible when blood sugar levels are well controlled. Our diabetology team works alongside the podiatric unit to review and optimise your diabetes medications if needed. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is equally important, and we address these as part of your complete care plan.

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

After treatment, many patients benefit from physiotherapy to regain strength, balance, and confidence in walking. Our physiotherapists guide patients through gentle exercises that improve circulation, rebuild foot muscle strength, and reduce the chance of future injuries.

The good news is that most diabetic foot problems are completely preventable. With the right daily habits and regular check-ups, you can keep your feet healthy for years to come. Here is what we recommend to our patients:

Daily Foot Care Habits

• Check your feet every day — Look at the tops, bottoms, and between your toes for any cuts, sores, redness, or swelling
• Wash your feet daily in lukewarm water (not hot) and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes
• Apply a good moisturising lotion to dry skin on your feet, but avoid putting lotion between the toes
• Cut your toenails straight across and file any sharp edges — never cut into the corners
• Never walk barefoot, even at home — always wear clean socks and well-fitting footwear
• Change your socks every day and choose socks made from soft, breathable materials without tight elastic bands

Footwear Advice

Wearing the right footwear is one of the most important steps in preventing diabetic foot problems. Our team will advise you on:

• Choosing shoes that fit well and do not rub or put pressure on any part of your foot
• Avoiding open-toed sandals, high heels, or any shoes that can injure your feet
• Using custom diabetic footwear or insoles if your feet have any deformity or unusual pressure points
• Always checking inside your shoes before putting them on — small objects, rough seams, or folds can cause sores without you noticing

Diet and Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet is key to managing blood sugar levels and supporting healing. Our nutrition counsellors help patients understand which foods are best for diabetes management, how to plan meals properly, and how to avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar that can slow wound healing. 

Physical Activity

Regular, gentle physical activity improves blood circulation in the feet and helps control blood sugar. Walking, swimming, or light stretching exercises are generally safe for most diabetic patients. However, it is important to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise programme, especially if you already have foot problems. 

Quit Smoking

Smoking narrows the blood vessels and reduces circulation — this is very dangerous for diabetic patients, especially when it comes to foot health. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do to protect your feet. Our team can help connect you with the right support.

Regular Hospital Check-ups

Even if your feet feel completely fine, regular check-ups at Mahalakshmi Multispeciality Hospital are very important. We recommend that every diabetic patient gets a thorough foot examination at least once a year — and more frequently if you already have nerve damage, circulation problems, or a history of foot ulcers. Our Podiatric Treatment in Kallakurichi is designed to catch problems early and keep you walking freely.

Diabetic foot problems can feel worrying, but with the right care and the right medical team, they are manageable — and in most cases, completely preventable. At Mahalakshmi Multispeciality Hospital, we believe that every patient deserves clear, honest, and compassionate care. Our team brings real experience and genuine dedication to every foot care consultation.

We are proud to be a trusted name for Podiatric / Diabetic Foot treatment in Kallakurichi and for patients coming from Ulundurpet and surrounding areas. Our modern facilities, experienced doctors, and caring support staff make us a place where you can feel confident about your foot health.