[Diabetic foot syndrome]

Ulceration of the foot in diabetes is common and disabling and frequently leads to lower extremity amputation. Mortality and morbidity is still high and healed ulcers often recur. The pathogenesis of diabetic foot syndrome is complex, clinical presentation variable and management requires early expert assessment. Interventions should be directed at infection, peripheral ischemia and pressure relief caused by peripheral neuropathy and limited joint mobility. Treatment includes wound clean-up, stage-oriented local wound management, and the appropriate treatment of bacterial infection. Useful preventive measures are training of diabetics, regular foot care and the provision of appropriate footwear.