Summary
This term is used to describe foot problems caused by diabetes. These problems can be difficult to treat.
Causes
Diabetes changes the body in several ways, some of which can result in diabetic foot. Diabetes can damage the nervous system to such an extent that the feet lose sensitivity and do not feel hot, cold or painful sensations. One can injure one’s foot without realising it. Diabetes can also damage the circulatory system, causing poor blood flow to the feet and can make it more difficult for the body to fight the disease. With diabetes, it is possible to miss a small cut or sore on the foot, which could then become seriously infected.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with nervous and circulatory problems may include new or persistent sensations of pain or numbness. The skin might become hard and shiny. Hair growth on the legs and feet may decrease, and there could be difficulty walking, along with swelling, redness, and warm skin.
Open wounds may develop, accompanied by fever and chills, or you might notice red streaks spreading across the skin away from the area of infection.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the severity of the issues. A healthier lifestyle can help manage diabetes. Benefits may come from changing footwear and improving foot hygiene.
Inspecting the feet daily and having regular check-ups can help address minor problems before they become more serious. Your primary care doctor can develop a care plan tailored to your needs.
Overview
This term is used to describe foot problems thatstem from diabetes. These problems can be difficultto treat.
Causes
Diabetes changes your body in ways that cancause diabetic foot. It can damage your nervoussystem, which can cause you to lose feeling in yourfeet. You may not feel hot, cold or painfulsensations. You could injure your foot withoutrealizing it. Diabetes can also damage yourcirculatory system. This results in poor blood flow toyour feet. It makes it harder for your body to fight offdisease. With diabetes, you may not notice a smallcut or sore on your foot, and it can becomeseverely infected.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with nerve and circulationproblems may include sensations of pain or new orlasting numbness. Your skin may become hard andshiny. Hair may stop growing on your legs and feet.You may have trouble walking. If you have a footinfection, you may have swelling, redness andwarm skin. You may develop open sores. You mayhave fever and chills. You may notice red streakson your skin that spread away from the infection.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the severity of yourproblems. A healthier lifestyle can help keep yourdiabetes in control. You may benefit from a changein footwear and from better foot hygiene. Inspectyour feet daily, and have regular foot exams to takecare of minor problems before they become majorones. Your healthcare provider can create a careplan that is right for your needs.
