In addition to affecting your blood sugar and eating habits, diabetes can also cause foot problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diabetic neuropathy can cause numbness or tingling in your fingers<\/a>, toes, hands, and feet. Another symptom is a burning, sharp, or aching pain (diabetic nerve pain). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Up to 50 percent of people with diabetes may experience nerve pain. Nerve damage can affect your ability to sleep, decrease your quality of life, and can also cause depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then you now must pay much more attention to your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Without proper care, diabetic foot problems can occur, resulting in injury an in extreme cases, even amputation. Even minor foot problems can become a big deal if you have diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s learn more about the complications, symptoms, and treatments for diabetics\u2019 feet. Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease<\/a> are the two main foot problems that occur, and both can have serious complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, diabetic neuropathy can result in nerve damage. Diabetes can cause many complications throughout the body, but especially in the feet. The main complication is that high blood sugar<\/a> can cause neuropathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Neuropathy<\/a> is a type of nerve damage that can happen anywhere in the body. However, it is most common in the legs and feet of people with diabetes . Diabetes leads to changes in the blood vessels, including arteries, which can result in poor blood circulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In peripheral vascular disease<\/a>, fatty deposits block vessels beyond the brain and heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means you cannot properly fight infections or feel warmth in your feet. You may also feel pain in your feet and shins when walking. Your feet will also swell if circulation is poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reduced blood flow can lead to pain, infection, and wounds that heal slowly. If a person develops a severe infection, a doctor may recommend amputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes can also affect the skin on your feet. The skin can become very dry and crack very easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People who have diabetes should see a doctor regularly as part of their care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, anyone who notices any of the following changes should seek immediate medical attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Signs of infection include redness and warmth around the sore. You may also begin to see the breakdown of skin and the tissue beneath it. There may also be swelling, and your shoes may no longer fit. Neuropathy can also change the way your feet and toes are shaped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Corns or calluses<\/a> also develop much more quickly on diabetic feet. If calluses are not properly treated, they can become ulcers. Foot ulcers are a huge problem for people with diabetes because they can lead to infection and amputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A further complication of diabetes that can occur is Charcot\u2019s foot<\/a>. This alters the shape of the feet as bones in the foot and toe-shift or break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neuropathy can hurt so that you may feel tingling or a burning sensation in your feet. However, with advanced neuropathy<\/a>, you will not feel anything at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially dangerous because your feet will no longer feel pain as they once did. You may not be aware that you have a blister, bruise, corns or calluses or scrape on your foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can quickly lead to an open sore, or ulcer. If the sores go untreated, they can become infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Practicing diabetic foot care<\/a> is essential. Your doctor should examine your feet every time you go in for a checkup. They can help you check for any changes in your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even a seemingly harmless infection like athlete\u2019s foot<\/a> can cause problems, so ask your doctor to thoroughly inspect your feet and show you how to do it at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A doctor will first attempt to treat diabetic foot problems without using surgery. Some methods include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n When nonsurgical treatment does not successfully heal diabetic foot problems, the doctor might consider surgery. Surgical options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to avoid severe foot complications from diabetes<\/a> is to take care of your feet daily. Check your feet every day before you wash them in lukewarm water. (Hot water can damage your feet further and dry your skin out).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carefully dry your feet with a clean towel and make sure the skin between your toes is dry. Apply a thin layer of lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet, avoiding the area between the toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you always wear comfortable shoes and socks and never go barefoot. Thoroughly inspect your shoes and replace them when they show signs of wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also throw away any socks that have holes and avoid socks that have seams that may rub your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you notice any of the following changes should seek immediate medical attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to practicing healthy lifestyle habits and taking steps to manage blood sugars, other things may help reduce the risk of developing diabetic foot problems. Some healthy habits to adopt include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping your blood sugar under control to prevent nerve damage is the best way to avoid diabetic nerve pain. Follow your doctor\u2019s advice for diet, exercise, and treatments if you already experience diabetic nerve pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetic neuropathy doesn\u2019t have any known cures. However, many treatments can help lessen the discomfort and pain caused by diabetic foot pain, and your doctor can assist you in selecting one that works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have diabetes, then it is incredibly important to practice diabetic foot care<\/a>. Neuropathy and poor circulation can make feeling and fighting any infection in your feet difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Severe ulcers can form from small cuts or infections and can lead to amputation. Diabetics have the highest risk of foot amputation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By being very diligent with your foot care, you can avoid many of these complications and keep your feet healthy and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also prevent foot complications by regularly exercising and following a proper diet<\/a> that will keep your blood sugar levels low and stable. Always remember that feet come first for people with diabetes!<\/p>\n\n\n\nFoot Problems in Diabetes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Diabetic neuropathy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Peripheral vascular disease <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Complications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment for Foot Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nonsurgical treatment <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n\n\n\nWhy Foot Care is Important<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When to see a doctor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nTips’ for Prevention <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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