Approximately 50% of people who have diabetes have nerve damage. This is known as diabetic neuropathy. Nerve damage may affect any part of your body, causing either pain or loss of feeling. But, the body parts that are affected the most are the legs and feet. Daily care of your feet can go a long way in keeping them healthy.
How can diabetes affect feet?Diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease are two issues that can occur in any person with diabetes.
Poor diabetes management can lead to damaged nerves. Having damaged nerves in your legs and feet can prevent you from feeling anything in that area.
The loss of feeling in your lower extremities is called diabetic neuropathy.
Minor complications may include taking medicine. More serious complications may result in surgery to remove the infected spot.Since diabetes affects the flow of blood, it can cause peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease is poor blood circulation in your legs and arms.
With irregular blood flow, having an injury takes more time to heal. Due to this condition, an infected wound can develop an ulcer or even gangrene.
What are common diabetic foot problems?The most common diabetic foot problems are:
- dry skin
- athlete’s foot
- calluses
- corns
- blisters
- bunions
- diabetic foot ulcers
- ingrown toenails
Dry skin might not seem like a severe issue. However, because of dry skin, your feet are more prone to infections. Dry skin cracks may leave your body exposed to different germs.
Athlete’s foot is fungi that may cause cracking in the skin, itching, and redness. Similarly, a diabetic foot ulcer creates a crack in the skin that may lead to infection.
Other issues that may occur due to having the wrong shoes are blisters and bunions. However, bunions might also be the result of genetics. They may result in serious deformities that might require surgery.
Corns and calluses are also a concern, they are a build-up of hard skin. Corns are another side-effect of improper footwear. On the other hand, calluses appear because of uneven weight distribution.
Ingrown toenails can cause swelling and infection and they can be painful if not spotted in time.
Be cautious when diabetic foot infection pictures online because it might be counter-productive. These infections look differently in different stages, so if you suspect you have one of these foot problems, consult with a doctor as soon as possible.
Signs of diabetic foot problemsThe only way to catch any of the first symptoms of diabetic foot problems is by regularly inspecting your feet. You should be looking for any skin color changes or changes in skin temperature.
Another significant symptom is swelling in the foot or the ankle. Of course, any signs of injuries, open sores, or broken skin should become a priority for you.
Moreover, you should pay attention to your toenails. Ingrown toenails can change the color of the nail and create swelling.
If you notice a foot odor that wasn’t there before and won’t go away, you should get an opinion from a professional.
Tips for proper diabetic foot treatment and careStart every day with a thorough inspection of your feet. Use the mirror for those parts that are difficult to see.
After every shower, use a towel and carefully dry off your feet, even the area in between the toes. If your feet are wet for too long, it can result in different foot fungi.
Wearing adequate shoes and socks is crucial in keeping your feet healthy, both outdoors and indoors. Proper footwear protects your feet from any injuries, it keeps them warm and improves circulation.
Let us take care of your feetViasox offers high-quality diabetic socks in many different sizes and colors.
Proper foot care is essential, especially for those who are managing diabetes. And there’s no better way to achieve the ultimate diabetic foot treatment than with a pair of warm socks for diabetes.
For any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us!
