People who have diabetes are at an increased risk of foot problems and complications. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and best practices for diabetes-related foot issues.
What Causes Foot Problems When You Have Diabetes?
People with diabetes experience increased foot problems due to several underlying causes, which include:
Nerve Damage
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves in your legs and feet, leading to a loss of sensation, tingling, and numbness. This condition is also known as diabetic neuropathy. Due to nerve damage, you might experience difficulty feeling pain, which causes cracks and minor wounds to go unnoticed.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is one of the most common causes of diabetic-related food problems. In this condition, narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs, causing pain and discomfort. The pain eventually travels down to your feet, making it difficult to walk and perform daily tasks.
Untreated wounds and ulcers can also put you at risk for diabetic-related foot problems. Other factors include wearing ill-fitted socks and shoes and not keeping your feet clean.
The likelihood of a diabetic person suffering from foot problems depends on their blood sugar levels and lifestyle choices. One research found that people with Type 2 diabetes that have an A1C of over 7% for at least 3 years are at an increased risk of diabetes-related foot and heart problems.
Symptoms
The symptoms of diabetic foot problems vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- loss of feeling
- pain
- numbness or tingling
- frequent bleeding
- foul smell
- blisters or other wounds without pain
- skin discoloration
- excessive sweating
- red streaks
- wounds with fluid or pus discharge
- wounds with or without drainage
If an infection occurs, you might experience fever, chills, uncontrollable shaking, and shock.
Complications of Diabetic-related Foot Problems
Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD) can lead to a stroke of complications, including:
Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a condition in which nerve damage and low blood circulation, often caused by diabetes, lead to joint dislocation. It can also change the shape of the feet, causing a “rocker-bottom” appearance.
Charcot feet is extremely painful, hindering walking. It also causes swelling, redness, and inflammation. Most people need surgery to correct deformities. Moreover, the ulcers and wounds caused by charcot feet need medication to heal.
Gangrene
When blood stops flowing to a specific body part, it can lead to tissue death. Gangrene is a medical emergency and could be fatal if not treated properly. Symptoms include changes in skin color, swelling, severe pain, and skin that is too cold to touch. In advanced situations, diabetic patients experience fever, vomiting, and chills.
If you spot signs of gangrene, go to the emergency department (ER) immediately and follow up with your primary health care practitioner for pain management.
Prevention and Management
Managing diabetic foot conditions is difficult but not impossible. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, take active steps to reduce the chances of diabetes-related foot problems. Follow these measures:
Check Your Feet
Regularly inspect your feet for wounds, cracks, or splinters. Remember that diabetic foot problems can make it difficult to feel pain, so visual inspection is necessary.
Keep Your Feet Clean
Wash your feet with warm water and moisturize them at least twice a day. You should also trim your nails and ingrown toenails. This will prevent bacterial growth and foul smell.
Wear Shoes That Fit
Wearing ill-fitted socks and shoes can affect blood circulation and slow the process of wound healing. Make sure your socks are not too tight, as excessive compression can lead to loss of sensation.
Consider wearing specialized wide shoes for women that are designed to alleviate foot pain and reduce pressure in sensitive areas. These shoes will keep your feet comfortable all day long.
Maintain Proper Blood Flow
Engage in moderate to intensive exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. Choose activities that are gentler on the feet, such as brisk walking and swimming. Avoid hanging your feet for too long, and keep them elevated to maintain proper blood flow.
Protect Your Feet from Extreme Temperatures
Keep your feet away from extreme heat as it can cause burns. In addition, wear insulated socks if you’re living in cold, snowy temperatures.
Quit Smoking
Many people don’t know that smoking can worsen the symptoms of diabetes. It can decrease circulation and slow down wound healing. This can be dangerous if you’re developing diabetes-related foot problems.
If you’re experiencing minor foot problems, seek medical attention. Early intervention is the key to prevention and can save you from severe infections and walking impairment.
Many people try to remove calluses themselves, which is not safe and can cause infections. Your healthcare provider will inspect your foot thoroughly, check your blood sugar levels, and prescribe medication accordingly.
