Diabetic foot history and symptoms

History of previous foot ulceration and poor glycemic control are two common positive histories in many patients suffering from diabetic foot. Other possible histories in a diabetic foot patient are history of kidney disease (due to diabetes), history of visual problems, history of burning sensation, previous amputation, trauma, and smoking. Diabetic foot patients may present to physicians with numerous symptoms. Nevertheless, the most common symptoms reported in these patients are burning, pins and needles sensation, discharge, and pain. In late stages of ulcer infection, fever and rigor are also common.

Patients with diabetic foot may have a positive history of:^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

• History of poor glycemic control
• Other complications of diabetes, such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy
• Previous amputation
• Previous foot ulcer
• Trauma
• Burn
• Smoking
• Foot deformity
• Previous history of hospitalization due to diabetes related conditions

• Patients with diabetic foot can complain from symptoms that include:^[6][7][4]
  • Burning
  • Pins and needles sensation
  • Purulent discharge
  • Sharp pain
  • Numbness
  • Fever and rigor
• 50% of the patients with diabetes have some levels of neuropathy prior to diagnosis.^[8]