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Diabetic foot problems are considered serious health conditions, as they cause nerve damage and lead to complications in the feet.
They're most common in people with diabetes and usually happen when high blood sugar damages the blood vessels and nerves in the feet. That causes severe pain, blisters, foot ulcers, infections and other serious complications.
Diabetes symptoms in the foot
Foot symptoms of diabetes can vary from one person to another and may also depend on the severity of the issue. However, some common symptoms can include:
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- loss of sensation in the foot
- tingling or numbness sensation
- pain
- skin discoloration
- blisters
In cases where an infection has developed, a person may experience symptoms like shaking, fever, very high blood sugar, redness and weakness.
What are some common diabetic foot problems?
The following are some common diabetic foot problems people with diabetes may experience:
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
People with diabetes, especially the ones who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar, are at a greater risk of PVD.
PVD affects the blood vessels and occurs when circulation is reduced due to fatty deposits. Reduced blood circulation thereby results in pain, infection and other wounds that heal very slowly.
Athlete’s foot
Athlete's foot is a fungus infection that causes redness, itching and cracking of the skin. The cracks in the skin allow germs to enter, which results in severe infection.
Callus
A diabetic foot can also cause calluses, which is a build-up of hard skin on the underside of the foot. Calluses can be caused by poorly fitting shoes, uneven distribution of weight on legs, or even by skin problems.
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a condition in which you are unable to feel any sensation in the legs. That's mainly due to nerve damage that occurs because of uncontrolled sugar level.
As the nerves get damaged, the foot may also not work or align properly, creating too much strain on one particular part of the foot.
Blister
Blisters are formed when your shoes come in contact with or rub the same spot on the foot. They can occur due to wearing poorly fitted shoes without socks and infections. To get rid of blisters, you can use an antibacterial cream, and apply bandages to protect the skin from infections.
Diabetic ulcer
A foot ulcer is a deep sore or a break or cut in the skin. It can happen from scrapes and cuts, or from continuous rubbing of poor-fitted shoes.
Ulcers need to be treated as soon as they get noticed. If left untreated, they can become severely infectious and cause serious complications.
Plantar wart
Plantar warts generally look like calluses and occur on the heels or balls of the foot. They have tiny black spots and pinholes in the center and are usually painful. If not treated at the right time, plantar warts may grow in clusters and lead to other painful symptoms.
Other diabetes-related foot problems include ingrown toenails, dry skin, hammertoes, bunions, corns and fungal infections.
Who is at a greater risk for diabetic foot?
Diabetic foot often occurs in people with diabetes, particularly those who have:
- a BMI of more than 25
- high blood sugar levels for long periods
- nerve damage
- hyperglycemia
- poor blood circulation in the feet
- high cholesterol and high blood pressure levels
- diabetes for a long time
What are the treatment options?
Treatments for diabetic foot may include both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Surgical treatments may involve processes like removing dead tissues and ingrown toenails, amputating the affected part, and performing endovascular surgery or an arterial bypass.
Non-surgical treatments may include simple foot care methods like keeping the area clean and dressed, using antibacterial creams and bandages to treat infections, eliminating the calluses, using a walking cast for support and switching to a healthy diet and exercise routine to prevent the problem from exacerbating.
Diabetic foot care tips
Here are some tips to keep your feet healthy and away from diabetes-related foot problems:
- check your feet for infections every day
- wash your feet properly to prevent dust buildup and infections
- try to put your feet up while sitting to promote a good blood flow
- get enough exercise to keep your muscles healthy and strong
- wear good quality footwear and socks
- trim your nails regularly and carefully
- control your blood sugar levels
Most importantly, get your feet examined regularly, especially if you're diabetic. Regular examinations will help prevent infections in the first place, and keep your feet away from deformities and other complications.
