Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting sugar metabolism in the body, has far-reaching implications. Living with diabetes means more than managing blood sugar levels; it involves understanding how this condition can significantly impact various aspects of your health, particularly your feet.
High blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation, making your feet more susceptible to complications. To prevent complications from diabetes and better manage the health of your feet, it’s important for people with diabetes to be aware of these potential issues.
In this article, we will discuss the relationship between diabetes and foot health, offering insights into how diabetes can impact your feet. We’ll also talk about the fundamentals of diabetes, explore its negative effects on your feet, highlight different types of diabetic foot conditions, and shed light on common warning signs.
Additionally, we’ll provide practical tips to help you reduce the risks of developing diabetic foot conditions and talk about the type of doctor you should see to help prevent and treat diabetic foot conditions.
By the time you are done reading, we hope you’ll have a clearer understanding of why foot care is paramount in diabetes management and why seeking professional guidance, particularly from a podiatrist, is instrumental in maintaining optimal foot health.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a lifelong chronic disease that is caused by high blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes are typically diagnosed young, while adults usually develop type 2 diabetes. Everyone with diabetes has high blood sugar, but the severity of diabetes is not equal in all people.
Specifically, diabetes impacts how your body metabolizes and uses glucose for energy. When you eat carbohydrates, they break down into simple sugars like glucose and are absorbed by your bloodstream. Your pancreas helps to regulate insulin levels; when there’s an excess of glucose in your blood, insulin works to move the sugar into cells, where it can be used as energy.
However, with diabetes, either not enough or no insulin is made—or the body doesn’t react properly to the insulin that’s produced—so there isn’t a balance between glucose and insulin levels. Unhealthy glucose levels happen when the body either can’t produce or becomes resistant to certain hormones. Specifically, the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar.
The lack of this regulation causes high blood sugar levels. This can lead to diabetes complications, including damage to the nerves and blood vessels that reduce circulation in your feet.
Managing this disease usually requires medication and watching the food you eat. Because this disease affects several body functions, people with this disease may experience several diabetic complications, including foot problems.
LET’S TALK ABOUT DIABETES AND YOUR FEET
Since diabetes deals with your blood, complications can be found anywhere in your body. Most commonly, it can cause nerve damage to spread to your feet. For example, you may find numbness in your legs and feet or a reduced ability to fight off infections.
This combination can lead to serious problems, sometimes even life-risking, if not carefully monitored or identified. Reduced sensation in your feet also makes you more likely to injure them without feeling pain or discomfort until it’s too late.
Read – “Diabetes Care: How to Prevent Foot Injury”
Diabetes-related conditions are one of the leading causes of foot problems and amputations, but the good news is that if you’re watching your diabetes carefully, these risks can be drastically reduced.
FOOT HEALTH PROBLEMS FROM DIABETES
Living with diabetes requires careful attention to various aspects of your health, and your feet are no exception. The effects of diabetes on your feet can be multifaceted. Understanding the connections is crucial for managing your overall well-being.
The effects of diabetes on your feet are primarily rooted in the impact of the condition on your circulatory and nervous systems, two vital components in maintaining optimal foot health.
Peripheral Vascular Disease (circulation)
A significant consequence of diabetes is the development of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), also known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD.) This condition arises from damage to blood vessels caused by persistent high blood glucose levels.
Peripheral Vascular Disease directly affects blood flow to the feet, impeding the efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients. This vascular impairment makes feet more susceptible to injuries, while the compromised blood flow delays the healing process, increasing the risk of complications.
PAD is leg pain you should not ignore. PAD can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, limb amputation, and even death.
Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy (nerve damage)
Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy. This condition often presents as numbness or tingling, primarily affecting the feet. Reduced sensation makes it challenging to detect injuries or sores promptly, elevating the risk of infections and complications.
Additionally, a weakened immune system and foot injuries can also increase your chances of developing diabetic foot problems.
If any of these health risks occur, problems with your feet typically follow. Some of the most common issues that could arise from nerve damage, poor circulation, a weakened immune system, or a foot injury that can lead to inpatient hospital care include:
- Ulcers
- Soft tissue infections
- Bone infections
- Abscesses
- Gangrene
In addition, diabetes can cause several types of skin problems on your feet. These include:
- Blisters and ulcers from damaged nerves that affect the way you feel heat or pain around a cut or blister.
- Athlete’s foot caused by fungus growing in warm, moist areas like between toes or under a cast after an injury causes nerve damage.
- Fungal infections caused by diabetes-related foot problems.
If you experience symptoms related to any of the above conditions, you should make an appointment with a diabetic foot specialist as soon as possible. Left untreated, some of these issues can become serious, leading to the need for more advanced wound care or even amputation. In severe cases, diabetic foot problems could lead to amputation and even be life-threatening.
The good news is that most of these issues are entirely preventable with proper care and inspection during regular podiatrist visits. Because this is their medical specialty, doctors of podiatric medicine will be able to evaluate your overall foot health.
For instance, they will evaluate your foot health by checking your blood flow and looking for nerve damage. Also, they will identify any problems or risks between diabetes and your feet.
Visiting your podiatrist regularly will allow them to treat problems before hospital care or even amputation is needed.
SIGNS OF DIABETIC FOOT PROBLEMS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Regular self-care at home and attending all scheduled doctor’s appointments serve as your best defense against potential foot problems and help prevent minor issues from escalating into more serious concerns.
Should you encounter any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial not to delay seeking advice from your primary care physician or a specialist in foot health. Taking proactive steps to address these symptoms is vital.
Leg Pain or Cramping
Experience discomfort or cramping in your buttocks, thighs, or calves during physical activity.
Odd Foot Sensations
Feel tingling, burning, or pain in your feet.
Changes in Sensation
Notice a loss of touch sensation or difficulty sensing heat or cold effectively.
Altered Foot Shape
Observe a change in the shape of your feet over time.
Hair Loss on Feet
Witness a loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
Color and Temperature Changes
Detect alterations in the color and temperature of your feet.
Nail Abnormalities
Experience thickened, yellow toenails.
Fungal Infections
Identify fungus infections, such as athlete’s foot, particularly between your toes.
Swelling
Notice swelling in the foot or ankle.
Open Sores
Observe open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining.
Ingrown Toenails
Identify ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus.
Corns or Calluses
Notice corns or calluses on your feet.
Skin Cracks
Encounter dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel.
Unusual Foot Odor
Experience foot odor that is unusual or won’t go away.
HOW CAN I KEEP MY FEET HEALTHY WITH DIABETES?
Many people with diabetes wonder, “What can I do myself to help prevent these problems?” People with diabetes can rest assured that there are several habits that they can use to ensure foot health.
Doing the following will keep your feet healthy between visits to your podiatrist.
As you follow this list, ensure you do everything your primary diabetes provider prescribes.
Perform a Daily Foot Check
Take a moment to inspect your feet for any signs of concern – blisters, calluses, redness, or swelling.
Do a Shoe Check Before You Step
If you have numbness in your feet, you might be less likely to feel pain. Before putting on your shoes, make sure there’s nothing inside that could cause discomfort, like rocks or metal fragments.
Don’t Walk Barefoot
You should always avoid going barefoot outside your home to prevent injuries but use caution when inside too. Wear house shoes or slippers when indoors in case you were to step on something sharp.
Wash Your Feet Daily
Wash and dry your feet daily, especially between your toes, but do not soak them.
Avoid Extreme Heat
Don’t soak your feet in a hot bath; put your feet in front of a heater or fireplace, or use heating pads or electric blankets on your feet. For someone with diabetes, this can be dangerous.
Moisturize
To keep skin from getting dry and cracking, use a moisturizer after you wash your feet and even throughout the day. Avoid getting lotion between your toes. Too much moisture in these crevices could encourage a fungal infection.
Change Socks Daily
Never wear dirty socks. Change into clean, dry socks daily.
Cut Nails Carefully
Trim nails straight across and file the edges to prevent ingrown toenails.
Choose Comfortable Shoes
Opt for shoes that fit well to avoid rubbing, and always wear socks (moisture-wicking is best.)
Say No to DIY Solutions
Avoid using acids, chemical corn removers, or attempting any impromptu “bathroom surgery.”
Check Your Lifestyle
Quit smoking, moderate alcohol, and care for your overall health. If you can, incorporate a cardiovascular and/or weight training regime. Exercise is excellent for blood flow.
Use Antiperspirant
Consider applying antiperspirant to the soles of your feet for excessive sweating.
Monitor Blood Glucose Levels
Keep an eye on your blood glucose levels daily to prevent diabetes-related foot issues.
Schedule Regular Podiatrist Appointments
Schedule routine check-ups with a podiatrist for expert foot care.
WHAT DOCTOR SHOULD I SEE FOR DIABETIC FOOT COMPLICATIONS?
If you’ve been having foot-related issues, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Left untreated, these complications can escalate, leading to more severe problems and potential long-term damage.
All doctors have their specialty, and picking the correct type will ensure you get the best care for diabetes-related issues. When it comes to your feet, the best doctor to see is a podiatrist.
At The Surgical Clinic, we understand the critical link between diabetes and your feet and have experienced podiatrists on staff. Our team is dedicated to providing specialized care to address diabetic foot complications, ensuring you receive the expertise needed to manage and treat your specific concerns.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment – your feet deserve the best care.
WHAT IS A PODIATRIST?
Podiatrists are highly trained medical professionals specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Their expertise extends beyond treating existing conditions; they also play a crucial role in providing patients with preventive and routine foot care.
In the United States, podiatrists are licensed and regulated healthcare practitioners. You’ll often find the designation “DPM” (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) following their names, indicating their specific qualification and expertise in podiatry.
Podiatrists are skilled in identifying and treating various foot and ankle conditions. Whether it’s addressing acute issues like injuries or chronic conditions such as arthritis, their diagnostic abilities enable tailored treatment plans.
Beyond addressing existing concerns, podiatrists provide preventive care to maintain optimal foot health. This includes routine check-ups, screenings, and guidance on proper foot care practices. They can also perform various medical interventions, such as surgeries, to address more severe foot conditions.
Whether you’re addressing an existing diabetic foot condition or actively prioritizing foot health, a podiatrist’s expertise is crucial for delivering thorough and effective care.
COMMON FOOT CONDITIONS TREATED BY PODIATRISTS
There are many different conditions that podiatrists commonly treat. Some of the more common ones include:
ATHLETE’S FOOT
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes the skin on the feet to itch, burn, and peel. It is most often seen between the toes. Treatment for athlete’s foot may include over-the-counter antifungal creams, prescription oral antifungal medication, and keeping the feet clean and dry.
ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, including those in the feet and ankles. Treatment for arthritis may include weight loss, physical therapy, and pain relief medication.
BUNIONS
A bunion is an enlargement of the joint at the base of the big toe. This joint may become swollen and tender. Bunions can also cause the big toe to turn inward toward the other toes. Treatment for bunions may include wearing supportive shoes, padding or taping the feet, and surgery.
CORN AND CALLUSES
Corns and calluses are areas of thickened skin that form on the feet in response to pressure or friction. They often occur on the tops and sides of the toes and on the soles of the feet. Treatment for calluses and corns may include wearing supportive shoes, using over-the-counter corn and callus removers, and regularly trimming the thickened skin.
DIABETES
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly. Diabetes can cause problems with the feet, including nerve damage and poor blood circulation. We will talk more about this below.
FLAT FEET
Flat feet (also called fallen arches) is a condition in which the arch of the foot collapses. This can cause pain and swelling in the feet and ankles. Treatment for flat feet may include wearing supportive shoes and using arch supports. Surgery is sometimes needed to correct the condition.
FRACTURES
Fractures are breaks in the bones of the feet and ankles. They can be caused by trauma, such as a fall, or by repetitive stress, such as running. Treatment for fractures may include wearing a cast or brace, taking pain medication, and having surgery.
GROWING PAINS
Growing pains are a common condition in children that causes pain in the legs. The pain is usually worse at night and often affects both legs. Treatment for growing pains may include over-the-counter pain medication, massaging the affected area, and stretching.
HEEL SPURS
Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the heel bone. They often cause pain and tenderness in the heel. Treatment for heel spurs may include wearing supportive shoes, using arch supports, and taking pain medication. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the spur.
INGROWN TOENAILS
An ingrown toenail is a condition in which the edge of the toenail grows into the flesh of the toe. This can cause pain, redness, and swelling. Treatment for ingrown toenails may include soaking the foot in warm water, wearing loose-fitting shoes, and trimming the toenail. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the ingrown nail.
MORTON’S NEUROMA
Morton’s neuroma is a condition that occurs when the nerve that runs between the toes becomes irritated or compressed. This can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the toes. Treatment for Morton’s neuroma may include wearing supportive shoes, using arch supports, and taking pain medication. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the neuroma.
NEUROPATHY
Neuropathy is a condition that occurs when the nerves are damaged. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the feet and legs. Treatment for neuropathy may include taking pain medication, using arch supports, and exercising.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The pain is usually worse with activity and often occurs after prolonged standing or walking. Treatment for plantar fasciitis may include wearing supportive shoes, using arch supports, and taking pain medication. Surgery is sometimes needed to release the tension on the tendon.
SHIN SPLINTS
Shin splints are a condition that causes pain in the front of the lower leg. The pain is usually worse with activity and often occurs after running or other high-impact activities. Treatment for shin splints may include resting, ice, and taking pain medication. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the damaged tissue.
WHERE TO GET YOUR FEET CHECKED IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Your feet help support you every step of the way, and their well-being is crucial for your overall health, especially if you have diabetes. As someone living with diabetes, taking care of your feet becomes a daily priority.
If you have more questions about what you can do to manage diabetes, talk with your doctor.
Currently, The Surgical Clinic has two podiatrists with board certification. Get to know both of our foot and ankle Specialists, Dr. Timothy Bush, DPM, and Dr. Tod Bushman, DPM.
The Surgical Clinic is here to provide quality, compassionate foot care to the Nashville, TN, area. If you have diabetes and want a checkup, schedule your appointment with a podiatrist today by calling The Surgical Clinic at (615) 329-7887.