Diabetic Foot Problems

1. Diabetic Foot Problems

2. Why Do Diabetics Have Foot Problems? Foot problems in diabetics are not uncommon. The two main ways diabetes can affect your feet are by: ● Damaging nerves: This is caused when uncontrolled blood sugar levels cause damage to the nerves in your legs. This might make you lose feeling in your legs and feet, and have difficulty moving your muscles. Preventing circulation: Diabetes makes it more difficult for your body to circulate blood, which may cause wounds to take longer to heal, and could also damage your feet due to poor blood flow. ●

3. Types of Foot Problems Diabetics May Experience ● Diabetic neuropathy:This condition is caused by nerve damage due to uncontrolled diabetes. It can cause tingling or pain, loss of feeling, or lack of muscle control in your feet. Diabetic neuropathy could also leave you unaware of cuts or wounds on your feet that may become infected. Gangrene:This is tissue death as a result of infection or poor blood flow. ●

4. Types of Foot Problems Diabetics May Experience ● Dry skin: Nerve damage can prevent your body from controlling the oil and moisture in your feet. This can lead to dry, cracked feet, and peeling skin, especially around the heels. Calluses: These hard and thick patches of skin usually appear much more often on the feet of people with diabetes. If left untreated, they could turn into ulcers and cause infection. ●

5. Types of Foot Problems Diabetics May Experience ● Ulcers:These are sores which can occur due to poor circulation and quickly lead to infection if left untreated. Amputations: Unfortunately, gangrene and other infections could spread through your leg without you realizing, due to nerve damage. If an infection becomes too severe, a doctor may need to amputate your foot or leg to stop the infection from spreading further. ●

6. Treatment for Diabetic Foot Problems The most important issues to manage for diabetic foot problems are pain and possible infections. These are typically treated by: ● Keeping wounds clean, dry, and applying ointments to promote healing Taking antibiotics to control or stop the infection Draining fluid or pus from wounds and ulcers Taking medication to manage the pain ● ● ●

7. When to See a Doctor If you have diabetes, you should see your doctor immediately if you notice: ● Any cuts, blisters, bruises, or wounds that don’t start healing after a few days Red or painful spots on your skin that may signal an infection A callus that contains dried blood as there may be a wound beneath it A foot infection that’s smelly and appears black or blue ● ● ●

8. About Crystal Run Healthcare Crystal Run Healthcare is a comprehensive medical and health care provider based in New York. It provides residents in the area with specialized treatment for a range of chronic and acute conditions. For more information on how Crystal Run Healthcare can help you if you have diabetes, or if you need diabetic food care, visit https://www.crystalrunhealthcare.com/specialties/podiatry

9. Sources https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/foot-problems