Gangrene Feet: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Gangrene of the legs is a condition that occurs when tissues die. It is caused by the cessation of blood supply due to underlying disease, trauma and / or infection. The toes and limbs are more often affected. There are different types of gangrene, and they all require immediate medical attention.

Gangrene Feet: Causes

Blood plays a very important role in human health. It not only transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body to nourish cells, but also provides antibodies to fight diseases and infections. When blood can not circulate freely, cells begin to die, infection and gangrene may develop. Any condition that affects the blood flow increases the risk of gangrene. Such conditions include:

• Diabetes.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Disease of peripheral arteries.
• Smoking.
• Injuries or injuries.
• The phenomenon of Reynaud (a condition in which the blood vessels that supply the skin periodically taper).

Gangrene Feet: Types

There are two main types of gangrene:

1. Dry feet gangrene. It is more common in people with diabetes and autoimmune diseases. It usually affects the hands and feet. It develops when the inflow of blood to the affected area is disrupted, usually as a result of poor blood circulation. Unlike other types, the infection is usually not present with dry gangrene. However, it can lead to wet gangrene.

2. Wet gangrene. Almost always includes an infection. Damage after burns or injuries with crushed or compressed wounds can quickly cut off the blood supply from the affected area, causing tissue death and increasing the risk of infection. It is called "wet" because of purulent processes. Infection from it can quickly spread all over the body, making moist gangrene very serious and potentially life-threatening condition, if not treated quickly.

Gangrene Feet: Symptoms

You may notice the following symptoms in place of dry gangrene:

• Dry and wrinkled skin, which changes color from blue to black.
• Cold and numb skin.
• Pain may or may not be present.

Symptoms of wet gangrene may include:

• Swelling and pain in the infection site.
• Change of skin color from red to brown and black.
• Vesicles or sores that have a badly smelling discharge (pus).
• Fever and poor health.

Gangrene Feet: Warning

If an infection from the gangrene enters the bloodstream, sepsis and septic shock may develop . This can be life threatening if not treated immediately. Symptoms of sepsis may include:

• Low blood pressure.
• Cardiopalmus.
• Shortness of breath.
• Change in body temperature.
• Rave.
• Pain in the whole body and a rash.
• Cold, sticky and pale skin.

If you have any suspicions of developing sepsis, contact the hospital immediately.

Treatment of gangrene of legs

Includes removal of dead tissue, treatment and prevention of spread of infection, treatment of the condition that caused gangrene. The sooner it is started, the greater the chances of recovery. Depending on the type of disease, treatment may include:

1. Surgical intervention: treatment of the wound, removal of dead tissue, to prevent the spread of infection. In some situations, amputation may be required.

2. Sanitation by larvae: believe it or not, but larvae still play an important role in modern medicine. They help in a non-surgical way to remove dead tissue. When used to treat gangrene larvae of flies (specially bred in the laboratory, so they are sterile) they are placed on the wound where they absorb dead and infected tissues without damaging the healthy tissues. They also help fight infection and accelerate healing, highlighting substances that kill bacteria.

3. Antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat and prevent infections. They are used, as a rule, in the form of intravenous injections.

4. Oxygen therapy. It can be used in some cases of moist gangrene associated with diabetes or diseases of peripheral arteries. During treatment, the patient is placed in a special chamber filled with oxygen at a higher pressure. The theory says that this high level of oxygen saturates the blood and stimulates the healing of dying tissues.

Gangrene, a photo of which can be found in any medical reference book, is a serious disease that requires immediate medical attention. The earlier treatment is started, the more chances for recovery. If you have unexplained pain in any area of your body, fever, a wound that is slowly healing, or you notice a discoloration, contact the emergency department immediately.