Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide, and its complications can often extend far beyond blood sugar levels. One of the most overlooked yet serious issues is foot problems caused by diabetes.
These problems can range from minor infections to severe complications that may affect mobility or even require surgery. Understanding how diabetes impacts your feet and learning how to prevent common issues is crucial for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
Let us discuss the most common foot problems associated with diabetes, why they happen, and actionable steps you can take to protect your feet.
How Does Diabetes Impact Foot Health
Diabetes can affect foot health in two main ways — nerve damage (called diabetic neuropathy) and poor blood flow (peripheral arterial disease). Together, these conditions increase the likelihood of developing foot problems and make it harder for your body to heal from injuries.
Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy)
Nerve damage from diabetes may cause a loss of sensation in your feet. This means you might not feel pain, heat, or injuries like cuts or blisters. When these go unnoticed, they can worsen and lead to infections or ulcers.
Poor Blood Flow
High blood sugar levels can damage peripheral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your feet. Without sufficient blood supply, minor injuries may take longer to heal, and infections can become more severe.
If you experience numbness, tingling, or cold feet, these could be signs of diabetic complications requiring medical attention. Regularly monitoring your feet and managing blood sugar levels is critical to avoid these problems.
Common Foot Problems in Diabetics
Diabetes patients may encounter various foot problems. Below are some common foot problems and what you need to know about them.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Foot ulcers are open sores or wounds on the foot. They often occur on the bottom or sides of the foot and may worsen due to poor circulation and delayed healing.
If untreated, foot ulcers can become infected and require surgical intervention.
Infections
Simple scratches or blisters can quickly escalate into infections in diabetic patients due to higher blood sugar levels and reduced immune response. Fungus-related infections, such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, are particularly common.
Calluses and Corns
Calluses form due to high-pressure areas on the foot, and corns develop because of friction. While these are normal in most people, diabetics are more prone to complications like skin breakdown or infections if left untreated.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD reduces blood flow to the limbs, including the feet. It causes pain, slower healing, and a higher risk of developing ischemia (severe blood flow blockage). PAD worsens when diabetes is poorly managed.
Charcot Foot
Charcot foot occurs when weakened bones and nerves in the foot lead to fractures or deformities. The condition often progresses with little to no pain due to diabetes-related neuropathy, making early diagnosis critical.
Tips to Prevent Foot Problems in Diabetics
Prevention is the best way to avoid diabetes-related complications. Follow these steps to protect your foot health.
1. Inspect Your Feet Daily
Look for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, or discoloration. Use a mirror to check hard-to-see areas, such as the soles of your feet.
If you notice anything unusual during the foot inspection, contact your foot doctor immediately.
2. Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check
Uncontrolled blood sugar worsens nerve damage and poor circulation. Maintain healthy glucose levels through proper diet, exercise, and prescribed medications such as metformin or insulin.
3. Wear Proper Footwear
Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes that offer support and reduce pressure on your feet. Custom orthotics may also help correct pressure imbalances. Avoid walking barefoot to prevent accidental injuries.
4. Schedule Regular Foot Exams
Work with a podiatrist or other specialist to monitor your foot health regularly. They will check for early signs of complications and create a care plan tailored to your condition.
5. Maintain Clean, Moisturized Skin
Wash your feet daily with warm (not hot) water and at them dry and apply a lotion that prevents dryness but does not increase moisture between the toes, as this can lead to fungal infections.
6. Trim Nails Carefully
Trim your nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short to avoid ingrown toenails. If managing toenail care is challenging, seek help from your doctor.
7. Avoid Smoking
Smoking worsens circulation problems by narrowing blood vessels. Quit smoking to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications like infections or PAD.
When to Seek Medical Help
It is essential to contact a podiatrist immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent pain or swelling
- Wounds or ulcers that do not heal
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or unusual discharge
- Blackened skin, indicating reduced blood flow (a possible sign of gangrene)
Early diagnosis and treatment could prevent further damage and improve your recovery.
Treatment for Foot Problems in Warwick & Middletown, RI, and Dartmouth, MA
At the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England, we specialize in diabetic foot care, from injury prevention to advanced treatments. Our board-certified foot and ankle doctors offer personalized solutions, including wound care, custom orthotics, and vascular screenings to address poor circulation. With us, you do more than treat foot problems — you prevent them from escalating.
If you are managing diabetes and concerned about your foot health, schedule your appointment today to get expert advice and care specific to your needs.
For more information, please contact our clinic nearest you or use our appointment request form to schedule your consultation. We look forward to serving you!
