When you have diabetes, having an excessive amount of glucose in your blood for an extended period of time can lead to a variety of dangerous concerns, including issues with your feet. And that’s certainly the least you have to worry about, but if you want to avoid serious problems, why not follow some good care and treatment?! Make it a point to talk through any worries or issues you might have with your primary care physician so that you can receive their full support.
Continue reading down below.
Why can diabetes cause problems with one’s feet?
Diabetes that is not under control might cause nerve damage. It is possible that you will not feel pain, heat, or cold in your legs and feet if the nerves in those areas have been injured. The name given to this loss of feeling is “sensory diabetic neuropathy.” Because of this, your foot might not line correctly, and as a result, too much pressure could be placed on one area of your foot.
The circulation of blood is also impacted by diabetes. When there is insufficient blood flow, wounds take significantly longer to recover from. A condition known as “peripheral vascular disease” refers to inadequate circulation in the arms and legs. You put yourself at risk for getting ulcers or gangrene if you already suffer from an infection that is not going to heal because of insufficient blood supply to the area.
The following is a list of frequent foot issues associated with diabetes:
1) Nail fungus – An environment that is dark, warm, and damp, like that found in shoes, is ideal for the growth of nail fungus. A fungal infection of the nail can also be the result of trauma to the nail. Nail infections caused by fungi are notoriously difficult to cure. Your doctor may also recommend that you get the damaged nail removed.
2) Corns – Such an issue can be caused by tension from shoes that scrape against your toes or by irritation between your toes. Corns can also be caused by shoes that are too tight. It is NOT recommended that you use a sharp item to attempt to snip the corn or extract it. After you have finished your bath or shower, take a pumice stone to carefully exfoliate your skin in order to eliminate any accumulated dead skin cells. It is not recommended to dissolve corns with over-the-counter medications.
3) Athlete’s foot — Germs may penetrate via the fissures in your skin and produce an infection. This condition is caused by the fungus tinea pedis. Treatment for athlete’s foot often consists of antifungal medications.
4) Calluses – These are produced by an unequal distribution of weight, shoes that do not fit properly, or an issue with the skin. Calluses can be painful. DO NOT make the mistake of attempting to remove the callus or peel it off with a sharp tool. After you have finished your bath or shower, take a pumice stone to carefully exfoliate your skin in order to eliminate any accumulated dead skin cells. Make sure that your shoes have cushioned insoles and pads. Medications have the ability to smooth calluses.
5) Bunions – These can develop on either one or both of a person’s feet. Although they can be inherited, the majority of the time, they are brought on by wearing shoes with tiny toe boxes and high heels. Padding made of felt or foam might be beneficial in preventing discomfort to the bunion. A gadget may also be used by your doctor in order to define the big toe and the second toe. If the bunion produces significant discomfort or deformity, you may require surgery to straighten your toes in order to alleviate the symptoms.
6) Hammertoes – This condition occurs when the muscle in your toe becomes weaker, which shortens the tendons in your toe and causes your toe to curve beneath your foot. They can be treated with braces, splints, and special shoes. If your condition is severe, you could require a medical operation to align your toes.
7) Blisters – These can develop on your foot if the same region on your foot is repeatedly rubbed by your shoes. When handling blisters, it is essential that you do not “pop” the blisters. Cover the skin and avoid getting an infection by using an antibacterial lotion and bandages that are clean and gentle.
8) Dry skin – This is prone to cracking, which makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate the skin. You can maintain the moisture and softness of your skin by using moisturizing soaps and lotions. Make sure you get expert help for the best possible assistance!
9) Ingrown toenails – This condition manifests when the sides of the nail expand into the surrounding skin of the toe. The pressure from shoes is the primary contributor to the development of ingrown toenails. Ingrown toenails may be avoided by carefully trimming your toenails on a regular basis. In extreme cases, surgery to remove a portion of the toenail and the growth plate may be required to manage the complications caused by ingrown toenails.
10) Diabetic ulcers – Foot ulcers can be caused by tiny scratches, wounds that take a long time to heal, or the rubbing caused by footwear that fail to fit properly. It is imperative that you pay attention right now! Foot ulcers can affect up to ten percent of persons who have diabetes.
These common foot disorders can be avoided altogether or treated before they develop into more significant consequences if proper foot care is practiced. The following are some of the most important things you can do to take care of your feet:
- Every day, soak your feet in warm water and wash them with a gentle soap. Avoid soaking your feet in the water. Be sure to thoroughly dry your feet, especially in the spaces between your toes.
- If the skin on your feet feels dry, you should apply lotion to your feet after washing and drying them so that you can preserve the moisture in the skin. It is important to avoid getting lotion between your toes.
- Once a week, you should inspect your toenails. Use a nail clipper to cut your toenails in a perpendicular direction. After they have been trimmed, the toenails should be filed down using a nail file.
- Always ensure that you are wearing socks or stockings. Put on some socks or even stockings that have a comfortable elastic band and fit your feet properly.
- Maintain circulation all the way down to your feet. When you sit down, prop your feet up on a footrest, move your toes and ankles frequently during the day, and avoid crossing your legs for extended periods of time.
Even if you don’t think you have any issues with your feet, it’s always a good idea to have checked with your podiatrist (a foot specialist) every two to three months.
