The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Diabetic Foot Rehabilitation

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation in diabetic foot prevents ulcer recurrence, preserves limb function and reduces amputation risk.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Diabetic Foot Rehabilitation?

Diabetic foot is a complex foot complication caused by peripheral neuropathy, vasculopathy and infection in diabetes mellitus patients. Lifetime risk reaches 25%.

Rehabilitation principles include offloading (pressure removal), wound care, infection control, vascular evaluation, glycaemic regulation and patient education.

Total contact cast is the gold standard for offloading; alternatives are removable cast walker, half-shoe and felt protection. Long-term plantar pressure offloading is provided with custom orthopaedic insoles.

Symptoms

Painless ulcer on the foot
Calluses and corn formation
Loss of sensation in the foot (sock-like)
Cold and pale skin (vascular)
Foot deformity (claw toe, Charcot)
Recurrent infection (cellulitis, osteomyelitis)
Imbalance and fall tendency

Risk Factors

Long-standing (>10 years) diabetes
Poor glycaemic control (HbA1c >8%)
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral arterial disease
Foot deformity (Charcot, hallux valgus)
Smoking and obesity
Previous ulcer or amputation history

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Apply to the diabetic foot clinic immediately for any wound or redness on the foot
  • Apply to the emergency department for fever, swelling, foul smell or progressive necrosis
  • Sudden loss of pulse and severe pain require vascular consultation
  • Refractory deep ulcer requires hospital admission for IV antibiotic treatment

Treatment Methods

01
Total contact cast or removable cast walker (offloading)
02
Custom orthopaedic shoes and silicone insoles
03
Wound care: debridement, dressing, negative pressure therapy
04
Antibiotic therapy and revascularisation (if needed)
05
Range of motion exercises and ankle stability training
06
Patient education: daily foot inspection, appropriate shoe selection, smoking cessation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Physical therapy for low back pain reduces pain and supports long-term recovery using a comprehensive approach that combines electrotherapy, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and patient education.

Rehabilitation for Neck Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Rehabilitation for neck pain is a multidimensional program including cervical mobilization, strengthening exercises and posture education that reduces pain and prevents recurrence.

Knee Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Knee rehabilitation is a structured exercise and physiotherapy programme used after arthroscopy, replacement or ligament surgery, or in conservative management, to restore full knee function.

Shoulder Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Shoulder rehabilitation is the staged exercise and manual-therapy programme that restores motion and strength after rotator cuff repair, frozen shoulder, shoulder arthroplasty or subacromial impingement.

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Post-stroke rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary process aimed at regaining motor function, speech, swallowing and daily living activities to the highest possible level in patients who have had a stroke.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is a long-term process targeting the highest possible functional level for patients with paralysis, sensory loss, and autonomic dysfunction caused by spinal cord damage.

Fibromyalgia

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Fibromyalgia is a central sensitization syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction. Multimodal management with aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and targeted pharmacotherapy improves function and quality of life.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common regional pain disorder characterized by hyperirritable spots in taut skeletal muscle bands (trigger points) producing referred pain patterns. Treatment targets trigger point inactivation and restoration of normal muscle length and function.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.