Diabetic Foot Care

Foot problems are a frequent complication for individuals with diabetes. Over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can harm nerves and blood vessels, typically resulting in diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease, or poor blood circulation.

High blood sugar levels also make it difficult to fight infections, meaning little problems can become big problems quickly for diabetics. For example, a blister can become a serious foot infection within days.

Prevention is key. If you are diabetic, proper care of your feet and legs is critical to managing the disease and avoiding serious health complications like non-healing wounds, infection, and the loss of your toes, feet, and legs. Regular visits to a podiatrist are a must for maintaining your health.

Contact our office if you notice any of the following affecting your feet:

Skin discoloration
Swelling
Warm spots (which may be an early signal of a blister or sore)
Signs of infection
Pain
Non-healing sores
Persistent pins-and-needles sensation
Dry, cracked skin

Nueropathy

Neuropathy is nerve damage. Damaged nerves will not transmit messages to the brain and therefore patients will have abnormal or decreased sensation in their toes and fingers. The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes. Other causes include heredity, advanced age, arthritis, certain medications, alcoholism, injury and neurological disorders like fibromyalgia and spina bifida.

Symptoms

Any change to the sensation in toes or fingers may indicate peripheral neuropathy. Patients often suffer from burning, tingling, numbness or stabbing pain in the toes or fingertips. The pain and numbness of neuropathy often can be the first sign of diabetes.

Ulcers and Diabetic Wound Care

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that appears on the bottom of the foot and may lead to amputation if not treated quickly.

Symptoms

Open sore
Drainage on socks
Redness
Swelling
Unpleasant odor