Diabetes affects the body in many ways, and foot health is one area to watch. High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, making feet more vulnerable to injuries and infections. With the proper care and early detection of problems, more serious complications can be prevented.
Common Diabetic Foot Conditions
Diabetic foot problems often start with neuropathy and poor circulation. Neuropathy, a type of nerve damage, makes it harder to feel if you’re wounded. Poor circulation slows healing, thereby raising the risk of infection. Left untreated, infections can spread to other areas of your body or lead to gangrene.
Several foot conditions are more likely to develop when you have diabetes. Any issue with the skin, nerves, or circulation can become more complicated. Examples include:
- Bunions
- Cuts, burns, blisters, or ulcers that don’t heal
- Dry, cracked skin
- Corns or calluses
- Ingrown toenails
- Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus
- Hammertoes
Diabetic Foot Symptoms
Recognizing diabetic foot symptoms early can make all the difference in preventing complications. While symptoms vary depending on the condition, common signs include:
- A foul odor
- Changes to your skin or toenails
- Frequent bleeding
- Discharge of fluid or pus
- Pain
- Skin discoloration
- Swelling
Complications of Diabetic Foot Conditions
Two of the most concerning complications of diabetic foot conditions are gangrene and Charcot foot, both of which require prompt medical care.
Gangrene develops when an untreated foot infection cuts off blood flow, causing tissue death. This is a medical emergency, as gangrene can spread quickly and become life-threatening without immediate treatment.
Charcot foot, a rare complication of diabetes-related neuropathy, occurs when a minor injury or infection becomes severe because you didn’t feel or notice the symptoms. If not treated early, it can cause the joints in the foot to collapse, permanently affecting mobility. In extreme cases, this can lead to needing your foot amputated.
Preventing Diabetes-Related Foot Conditions
The best way to prevent diabetes-related foot conditions is to keep blood sugar levels under control and follow a consistent care routine. See your diabetes healthcare provider regularly for help with your management plan. Tools like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can make management easier.
Daily habits also protect against diabetic foot problems.
- Check your feet every day for cuts, sores, or changes, including between the toes.
- Wash with warm water, dry thoroughly, especially between toes, and then apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet only.
- Trim nails straight across and file sharp edges.
- Protect against hot and cold temperatures. Use sunscreen if you’re wearing sandals, wear insulated shoes in winter, and keep your feet away from heaters or open fires.
- Wear shoes and socks that fit well. Check the inside of your shoes before putting them on, and consider getting custom orthotics.
- Keep blood flowing by elevating your feet when sitting, wiggling your toes, and staying active with gentle exercise.
Treatment for Diabetic Feet
Effective treatment depends on catching problems early. Do not try to treat these conditions yourself; seeing a doctor who specializes in foot care is essential.
Care may involve cleaning wounds, draining any fluid or pus, removing dead or infected tissue, and applying special bandages and ointments. You may also be prescribed a wheelchair or crutches to take weight off the affected foot or prescribed oral antibiotics.
If conservative healing methods fail, advanced corrective foot and ankle surgery may be the answer. When you opt for surgery at The Foot & Ankle Center, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Our certified podiatrists have more than 30 years of experience in correcting even the most advanced foot and ankle conditions through corrective surgery.
Schedule Your Visit With The Foot & Ankle Center
Since 1989, The Foot & Ankle Center has been proud to deliver patients the highest quality of care in a comfortable and convenient setting. Our friendly and attentive doctors are knowledgeable and dedicated to giving you the best care possible. Here, you can expect to be treated with the individualized treatment you deserve.
You don’t have to wait to find relief. Call us at (314) 487-9300 or contact us online today to request an appointment!