BAREFOOT PILGRIMAGES ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS FOR DIABETICS

posted: Mar. 10, 2019.

Of the 62 million diabetics in India, 25 percent develop sores, ulcers, and life-threatening infections on their feet at some point during their lifetime. On any given day, the Fortis CDOC Centre of Excellence for Diabetes, Obesity, Metabolic Diseases & Endocrinology in Delhi, is filled with patients troubled by a single affliction: diabetic feet. Dr. Amar Pal Singh Suri, podiatrist with CDOC, was busy with a 54-year-old patient at the wound management unit. The businessman had gone on a pilgrimage and returned with an ulcer on his right heel after walking up 4,000 stone steps barefoot in the height of summer. High-frequency vibrations on his feet have revealed a complete lack of sensation. 

 

Dr. Amar Pal Singh Suri

 

 

Dr. Suri debrided the foot: cleaning it out, pulling out the bad tissues, packing it with antimicrobial gauze, attaching a vacuum to suck the pus out. The angry looking hole will be allowed to heal from inside. Despite the poking, the patient lies with a tranquil expression. "Patients suffer nerve damage due to diabetes and don't feel the pain," says Dr. Suri.

 

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News.

 

Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics.