Diabetic Foot Problems

Complications of the feet are particularly common among those with diabetes. Such issues are directly related to the body’s inability to handle lengthy periods of high blood sugar levels. Without proper regulation of these levels, there are a number of different foot problems that can occur.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a condition that describes weakened sensations of the nerves. This type of nerve damage is common in diabetics, and can lead to serious complications of the feet because it inhibits their ability to physically feel whether or not there is any pain in this area.

The desensitization of the feet can lead to many unwanted conditions including:

• Blisters
• Sores
• Calluses
• Corns
• Ingrown toenails
• Plantar warts
• Bunions or bunionettes
• Foot ulcers
• Fungal infections such as Athlete’s foot
• Hammertoes

Left untreated, these minor conditions can lead to serious side effects including infection or even possible amputation of the foot.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Diabetics are also not without a large number of circulatory problems. Because diabetes affects a person’s blood sugar levels, it can also quickly affect the health of their blood vessels.

These vessels are responsible for proper blood flow all throughout the body. Poor circulation through the blood vessels can have severe effects on the feet, as it will prevent wounds or illnesses of this area from healing.

What Can I Do to Prevent Diabetic Foot Problems?

Persons with nerve damage and/or poor blood circulation as a result of their diabetes are highly encouraged to take special care to monitor and actively improve the condition of their feet every day. Such proactive measures include:

• Wash your feet every day using warm water and mild soap.
• Gently exfoliate your feet after soaking them in warm water for several minutes. This will help to remove any corns or calluses that may have formed.
• Hydrate the skin of your feet with moisturizing lotions that should be applied several times per day.
• Regularly trim your toenails straight across using a clipper.
• Routinely check for any wounds on your feet, or irregularities of your toenails. It is recommended that diabetics perform this sort of check every single day.
• Wear soft socks or stockings with your shoes.
• Avoid open-toed shoes, and do not walk barefoot in any environment, even in your own home.
• Introduce regular motion to your feet whenever you are sitting. It is also recommended to not cross your legs, and this will inhibit proper blood flow.
• Stop smoking, as this will only worsen the health of your circulatory system.
• Attend regular appointments with SpecOrtho as needed and carefully follow any and all advice given in regards to the care of your feet.

Sources: 
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317504.php

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/foot-problems#3

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/complications/foot-complications/