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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suffering From Diabetes. Has Small Hole On Front Leg. What Is The Treatment?

Hello, my mother suffers from diabetes and has had a small hole on the front of her leg for about 3 years that will not heal. It started out very small now it has spread and become allot bigger and more painful. She is scared to show anyone because it looks so bad. She also has gone to the Dr. And shown them and they advised her that nothing can be done to solve this. I am wondering is there anything that can be done besides removing her leg. It's a very large purple swollen hole. The Dr. Also told her that it came from a blood vessel that burst and it won't heal. Please let me know what you think.
Tue, 30 Apr 2013
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello dear

Wounds that do not heal in diabetes are mostly related to uncontrolled diabetes, nerve damage occuring in long time diabetics (diabetic neuropathy) and diabetics with poor blood flow to the foot due to blockages in the blood vessels.

It is essential for you to understand that avoiding seeing a doctor does not mean that you can escape the disease. A wound like you described could easily become infected and rapidly spread to the whole body.

Coming to the question of amputation or not that , depends on where exactly the wound is, what is the circulation to that tissue, how is the surrounding area, what is the infection in the wound. Only an expert surgical consultation done in person can help make such decisions. You should discuss options with your treating doctor and decide accordingly.

Hope this helps.
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Cardiologist,  Dr. Anantharamakrishnan's  Response
Hi friend,
Welcome to Health Care Magic

You have not stated her age, personal habits, family history or co-morbidities
3 years already - means it is not being followed up properly...it is not clear why it is not treatable...
It could be osteomyelitis / Vasculopathy / neuropathy...
There are highly specialised 'foot clinics' for diabetics - she must go there / the chances of proper diagnosis and management - saving the limb - are excellent...

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck
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Suffering From Diabetes. Has Small Hole On Front Leg. What Is The Treatment?

Hello dear Wounds that do not heal in diabetes are mostly related to uncontrolled diabetes, nerve damage occuring in long time diabetics (diabetic neuropathy) and diabetics with poor blood flow to the foot due to blockages in the blood vessels. It is essential for you to understand that avoiding seeing a doctor does not mean that you can escape the disease. A wound like you described could easily become infected and rapidly spread to the whole body. Coming to the question of amputation or not that , depends on where exactly the wound is, what is the circulation to that tissue, how is the surrounding area, what is the infection in the wound. Only an expert surgical consultation done in person can help make such decisions. You should discuss options with your treating doctor and decide accordingly. Hope this helps.