From The American Diabetes Association
Diabetes can affect nearly every part of the body, including the feet. In fact, diabetes-related foot complications are among the most common reasons people seek podiatric care. Changes in circulation, nerve function, and skin health can increase the risk of infections, diabetic ulcers, and other serious foot problems.
If you have diabetes, a podiatrist should be an important member of your healthcare team. Routine diabetic foot care and regular examinations can help identify problems early and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Table of Contents
How Diabetes Affects the Feet
Over time, diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in the feet. This can lead to reduced sensation, slower healing, dry skin, increased risk of infection, and a higher likelihood of developing wounds that may go unnoticed.
Because many diabetic foot problems develop gradually, routine monitoring and preventative care are essential for protecting your foot health.
Diabetic Neuropathy
One of the most common complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy occurs when elevated blood sugar levels damage the nerves, causing symptoms such as:
- Numbness in the feet or toes
- Tingling or burning sensations
- Reduced ability to feel pain, pressure, or temperature changes
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Balance difficulties
Because neuropathy reduces sensation, patients may not notice a blister, cut, callus, pressure point, or developing wound until it becomes a serious problem.
Poor Circulation and Foot Health
Diabetes can also affect circulation, reducing blood flow to the feet and lower legs. Poor circulation may slow the body's ability to heal wounds and fight infection.
Patients with diabetes should pay close attention to any cuts, cracks, blisters, or areas of irritation. Even small wounds can become significant if they do not heal properly.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound that most commonly develops in areas of pressure on the foot. Common locations include:
- The ball of the foot
- Under the big toe
- Callused areas
- Between the toes
Decreased sensation caused by neuropathy often contributes to ulcer formation because patients may not feel the pain or pressure that would normally signal a problem. As a result, the skin and underlying tissue can break down without the patient realizing it.
Not every diabetic foot ulcer is painful. This is why checking your feet every day is so important. If you notice redness, drainage, swelling, skin breakdown, discoloration, or any other abnormality, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Interestingly, if you have severe neuropathy and suddenly begin feeling pain in an ulcerated area, it may be a sign of infection and should be evaluated promptly.
Depending on the severity of the ulcer and how long it has been present, your podiatrist may order X-rays to evaluate the underlying bone, rule out infection, and identify any structural abnormalities that may be contributing to the problem.
Treatment often focuses on reducing pressure on the affected area and promoting healing. Your provider may recommend:
- An offloading shoe or post-operative shoe
- An offloading boot
- Specialized dressings
- Compression or dressing wraps when appropriate
- Daily home wound care
- Regular office visits for monitoring and treatment
Keeping pressure off the ulcer is extremely important. Walking on a diabetic foot ulcer can make it larger, deeper, and more difficult to heal.
The Importance of Regular Diabetic Foot Exams
Routine diabetic foot examinations help identify problems before they become serious. During a diabetic foot exam, our podiatrist may evaluate:
- Circulation
- Nerve function and sensation
- Skin health
- Calluses and pressure points
- Foot structure and biomechanics
- Nail health
- Signs of infection or ulceration
Many diabetic foot complications can be successfully managed when detected early.
Diabetic Foot Care Tips
Protecting your feet starts with good daily habits. We recommend:
- Inspecting your feet every day
- Checking between the toes for redness, sores, or skin breakdown
- Keeping your skin moisturized with Amerigel Blue Diabetic Moisturizing Lotion
- Avoiding barefoot walking
- Wearing natural shoes that fit your feet properly
- Having your shoe size and width checked periodically using a Brannock device
- Controlling blood sugar levels as directed by your physician
- Scheduling routine diabetic foot exams
Patients with diabetes should not soak their feet unless specifically instructed to do so by their physician.
If you are unsure of your proper shoe size or width, our office can measure your feet and help ensure you are wearing appropriately fitted footwear.
Diabetic patients should not trim their own toenails. Because neuropathy and reduced flexibility can increase the risk of injury, routine professional nail care is often the safest option.
Learn more about our diabetic foot care services and diabetic foot exams.
When to Contact a Podiatrist
Contact a podiatrist immediately if you notice:
- An open wound or sore
- Drainage from the foot
- Increasing redness or swelling
- Changes in skin color
- A new callus or pressure point
- Signs of infection
- A wound that is not healing
Early treatment can help prevent complications and protect your long-term foot health.
Schedule a Diabetic Foot Exam in Wichita
If you have diabetes, routine foot care is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of complications. At Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, we provide comprehensive diabetic foot care, diabetic foot exams, and treatment for diabetic foot ulcers.
