Diabetic Foot
Overview
Foot problems are very common in individuals diagnosed with diabetes, as nerves and vessels in the feet are damaged by high blood sugar, which can lead to neuropathy in the feet: a loss of feeling. The inability of feeling pain in the foot/ not knowing when the foot is wounded can impact the health of the foot severely and cause it to become infected, which at worst can lead to gangrene (the death of muscle, skin, and other tissues.)
Prevention
Checking the foot daily is crucial in identifying possible nerve damage as soon as it begins to occur. Getting these issues treated earlier lowers the risk of tissue death and amputation. Keeping the skin clean and nails well-trimmed is also optimal, as well as avoiding walking around barefoot or wearing ill-fitting shoes. Make sure that blood is flowing throughout the feet via simple foot stretches, and exercise mobility.
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Problems
- Yellowed/ discolored toenails
- A burning sensation within the foot
- Loss of feeling/ neuropathy
- Athlete’s foot
- A blister, ulcer, or infected callus
- Hair loss on the foot
- Dry, flaking or cracking skin
Treatment
If a diabetes related foot condition is detected, do not attempt to treat it yourself or use over the counter products, as they might burn the skin. Seek immediate help from a health provider once you identify any of the symptoms above, and they will treat it appropriately.
