Living with diabetes requires managing blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying active. However, it also means paying closer attention to your feet. Diabetic foot problems are more common than many realize and can lead to serious issues if ignored. Diabetes often affects circulation and nerve health, which makes the feet particularly vulnerable. While these issues can be concerning, they are manageable with the right care and attention.
Let us discuss these diabetic foot problems and their treatments.
1. Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in the feet, is one of the most common diabetic foot problems. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves over time. This leads to tingling, burning sensations, numbness, or a diminished ability to feel pain in the feet. Reduced sensation makes it harder to notice injuries or infections, raising the risk of worsening these problems.
Here are some treatment and prevention tips:
- Get regular foot exams to detect injuries or abnormalities.
- Keep blood sugar levels within the target range.
- Use medications prescribed by your doctor to manage neuropathy symptoms.
- Wear supportive shoes to prevent injuries.
2. Diabetic Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that typically develop on the bottom of the feet or toes. These ulcers occur due to a combination of nerve damage and poor circulation. Without proper treatment, diabetic ulcers can become infected and, in severe cases, lead to amputation. Untreated ulcers can also result in infections that spread to the bones. Even if they cause no other problems, they will heal extremely slowly.
Keep the affected area clean and bandaged. Also, apply prescribed antibiotic creams to prevent or treat infections. Seek medical treatment if the wound does not appear to heal. In addition, maintain a healthy and balanced diet to accelerate healing. Lastly, avoid walking barefoot to protect your feet from injury.
3. Poor Circulation
Diabetes often leads to poor circulation, also known as peripheral arterial disease. This problem occurs when narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the feet. This makes healing slower and increases the risk of infections. Symptoms may include cramping, pain while walking, or cold feet.
Poor circulation reduces your body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the feet. This hinders healing and increases the risk of infection. To tackle poor circulation, follow these:
- Engage in low-impact physical activities like walking to improve blood flow.
- Avoid smoking, as it further restricts blood circulation.
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels within healthy ranges.
- Consult your doctor about treatments like medications or procedures to improve circulation.
4. Calluses and Corns
Calluses and corns are thickened areas of skin caused by pressure or friction. People with diabetes are more prone to developing these conditions. This is due to changes in foot structure or ill-fitting footwear.
If left untreated, they can crack and become entry points for infection. Overgrown calluses or untreated corns may mask ulcers or lead to infections. To treat them, use a pumice stone after bathing to remove hardened skin gently. Also, avoid cutting or trimming calluses at home to reduce the risk of injury. In addition, wear properly fitting shoes to reduce pressure.
Consult a podiatrist regularly to manage calluses and ensure proper foot care.
5. Athlete’s Foot and Fungal Toenail
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itching, redness, and cracking, primarily around the toes. Fungal toenail infections, on the other hand, cause thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails.
These two problems are common in individuals with diabetes due to weakened immunity, creating a higher risk of skin infections. These infections can spread or worsen quickly if not treated, posing a health risk.
To address athlete’s foot and fungal toenail:
- Keep your feet clean, dry, and moisturized (but avoid excessive moisture between the toes).
- Use antifungal sprays or creams recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid walking barefoot in areas prone to fungus, such as public showers or pools.
- Wear breathable socks and rotate shoes to keep them dry.
6. Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a rare but serious condition that weakens the bones in the foot. This leads to deformities such as arch collapse. It typically occurs in people with severe neuropathy. Early signs include redness, swelling, or a warm sensation in the foot. If left untreated, Charcot foot can cause significant deformities, making mobility a challenge.
The following can help you with this condition:
- Seek immediate medical care at the first signs of redness or swelling.
- Use braces or orthotics to stabilize the foot and prevent further damage.
- Avoid weight-bearing activities until approved by your doctor.
- Regularly monitor foot health with a trusted podiatrist.
Essential Tips for Diabetic Foot Care
Beyond addressing specific problems, these general tips can help prevent or manage diabetic foot problems:
- Inspect your feet daily to check for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling.
- Wash your feet daily, and make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Moisturize your feet to prevent cracking but avoid applying lotion between the toes.
- Choose comfortable, well-fitting shoes that provide adequate support.
- Trim toenails carefully and straight across to avoid ingrown toenails.
- Schedule regular visits with your podiatrist for routine checkups and foot care.
Treatment for Diabetic Foot Problems in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, and Live Oak, TX
Diabetic foot problems are preventable and manageable with the right care and professional guidance. By staying vigilant and seeking prompt treatment for any foot issues, you can greatly reduce the risk of problems.
Do not wait until a small problem becomes a big concern! At The Podiatry Group of South Texas, our trusted team of expert podiatrists will give you the best care. Your foot health is our priority, and we are here to provide the care and solutions you need.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at (210) 227-8700.
We look forward to serving you!
