Diabetes Related Foot Complications

Diabetes Related Foot Complications - Diabetic foot problems are another complication of diabetes that if not treated right can lead to more serious complications, resulting in toe, leg or foot amputations. The two main causes of diabetes foot complications are diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation.

Neuropathy

The nerves of the feet are the longest of the body and the most likely to get damaged by diabetes.  A person with diabetic nerve damage can loose feeling in their feet, not being able to feel pain or changes in temperature. This condition can make it difficult for the person to realize that they have a foot injury until it worsens and gets infected.

Diabetic Nerve Damage can also lead to changes in the shape of the feet and toes. A person with this condition might need special therapeutic shoes.

Symptoms of nerve damage can include pain in the feet, numbness and a burning sensation specially on the soles of the feet.

Poor Circulation

Poor blood circulation results from the hardening of the blood vessels in the feet and legs, a condition also caused by diabetes. Poor circulation makes it difficult for the feet to fight infections and to heal. Symptoms can include cold feet, pain in the legs when walking and pain in the feet when in bed at night. Some people feel pain in their calves when walking up hill or on a hard surface, a condition called intermittent claudication. Your doctor might recommend medication to improve circulation.

To improve circulation to the feet, it is vital to stop smoking.  It is also important to stay physically active and to have an exercise routine. This will help circulation to the feet. As always, control of blood glucose levels and blood pressure levels are essential in preventing diabetes foot complications.

Foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers can be a result of diabetic nerve damage. They often occur on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe. Ulcers must be treated immediately by a health care professional.  If left untreated, foot ulcers can result in infection and ultimately amputation.

Prevent Diabetic Foot Problems

You can prevent serious diabetes foot complications by checking your feet every day. Check every part of your feet, top, bottom and sides. Look in between the toes and check for infections. Look for cuts, blisters, ulcers, redness and swelling, changes of color, ingrown toenails or painful areas with redness.

It is also important to wash your feet daily and dry well, especially between the toes. Moisture in this area can easily lead to infections. Keeping your toenails well trimmed can also reduce the risk of ingrown toenails and infections.

Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well and protect the feet is important. Ulcers on the sides of the foot are usually caused by poor fitting shoes. Your podiatrist might recommend prescription therapeutic shoes that can help reduce the risk of ulcers and infections.

Following your doctor’s advice, staying active, checking your feet regularly and controlling your glucose and blood pressure levels will help you prevent serious foot complications caused by diabetes.