What To Know About Diabetic Foot Conditions
Anyone who has diabetes needs to pay close attention to their health, especially when it comes to their feet. It is common for diabetics to have foot complications due to the disease, which can lead to some serious health problems. That's why you'll want to know more about what complications every diabetic should look out for so they know when to seek medical attention.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a condition where the nerves in the legs and feet are damaged by high levels of blood sugar. It can actually lead to a person losing sensation in their feet or experiencing a tingling feeling. This makes it difficult to detect when they have an infection or injury because they simply cannot feel it. Sores, minor cuts, and blisters can be unintentionally ignored until they become infected.
In general, pay attention to how your feet feel and if you are losing sensation. This includes temperature changes since you should be able to feel a cold bathroom floor or hot cement around a pool on a summer day.
Foot Ulcers
Foot ulcers can develop on the feet of a diabetic person due to issues with reduced blood flow. A diabetic person may not even feel them form when combined with neuropathy. Ulcers can reach the point where they are quite painful and can easily become infected if you're not careful. The long-term complication is gangrene, with amputation being necessary in extreme situations.
Try to examine your feet regularly and look for open sores, swelling, and red spots. These are more likely to form on pressure points, such as the ball of your feet or the heels.
Poor Circulation
Diabetes runs the risk of damaging your blood vessels, which causes you to have reduced blood flow to your arms and legs. This can cause the body to slow down the natural healing process, which can prevent you from fighting off infections in your extremities. Look for warning signs of poor circulation, such as skin that changes color, slow wound healing, and cold feet.
Charcot Foot
One severe complication that can affect diabetics is Charcot Foot. This is a problem that affects the joints and bones of your feet, which can cause deformities and fractures. It may not feel painful due to neuropathy, which is why the condition can become quite bad without warning. Pay attention to if your foot changes shape over time, becomes red, or you experience swelling.
Reach out to a local clinic, such as Advanced Podiatry and Wound Care, to learn more.