Patients with diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing foot-related issues. Even simple diabetic foot problems can escalate into more serious complications.
Higher levels of blood glucose can affect the feeling and circulation in your feet. When there is a lack of healthy blood supply to an area, it can take much longer to cuts and wounds to heal.
Patients may also be more prone to cramps or pain in their feet. If left untreated, these issues could lead to more serious complications as infection, gangrene, or even amputation.
Symptoms of Serious Foot Problems
Due to poor circulation in feet, it may be difficult to tell when there is a serious problem. Take some time out of your day to examine your feet and look for any tell-tale signs that there may be more serious problems.
If you’ve been experiencing any of the following symptoms, see a podiatrist immediately.
- Swollen feet
- Loss of hair on feet and legs
- Shiny and smooth skin on feet
- Cuts or wounds that don’t heal
- Cramps in calves during movement
- Changes in the color of feet
- You have wounds that can be seen, but you are unable to feel them
Possible Complications
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Anyone currently suffering from diabetes is at risk for developing a foot ulcer. Within that, people who use insulin to manage their diabetes are at a much higher risk than those who do not. People who are overweight or smoke are also more prone to ulcers.
Diabetic foot ulcers can form for several reasons. Poor circulation and lack of feeling in the foot can contribute highly to the formation of an ulcer.
Over time, high glucose levels can cause nerve damage, leading to a loss of feeling in one or both feet. This may occur without any pain, and the person may not even be aware of the nerve damage.
Many people that develop foot ulcers no longer have the ability in their feet to feel pain, so pain is not an obvious symptom of an ulcer. Instead, you may notice drainage, swelling, or redness.
Infections
Poor blood circulation makes it much harder for cuts or wounds to heal quickly. As a result of this, small cuts can easily become infected. These wounds can be treated with antibiotics to prevent any further infection or complications.
Calluses
Calluses develop on the bottom of the foot due to a buildup of hard skin. They occur frequently and build up much faster on the feet of those with diabetes. When a callus is detected, it’s important to take care of it correctly.
Do not try to cut these calluses yourself, as this could lead to infection. See a podiatrist for assistance in cutting calluses and tips for keeping calluses under control.
When to Seek Help for Diabetic Foot Problems
If you suffer from diabetes, make an appointment to visit our Canyon Oaks office at the first sign of a foot-related issue. Fill out the form below to get in touch with our office. A member of our staff will be in touch with you within one business day.
