Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that can lead to serious health complications if not properly managed. One of the most common issues associated with diabetes is foot problems, which are often caused by poor circulation and nerve damage from high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes-related foot problems range from minor irritations, such as athlete’s foot or fungal infections, to more severe conditions, like ulcers and gangrene, which can eventually require amputation if left untreated. It’s important for people with diabetes to be aware of these potential risks, so they can take steps toward prevention and early detection in order to avoid long-term damage or disability.
Let’s discuss these common diabetic foot problems.
Foot Ulcers
Foot ulcers are one of the most common diabetic foot complications. They occur when there is a break in the skin due to pressure or friction on an area that has weakened because of decreased sensation. These wounds may look small at first but they have the potential for infection and further deterioration without proper care, which includes keeping them clean and dry, covered up with gauze pads/dressings, and wearing shoes at all times – even indoors.
Athlete’s Foot
A fungal infection known as athlete’s foot can affect people who suffer from diabetes,because their compromised immune system makes them more susceptible than others to this kind of bacterial growth. Symptoms include redness around the toes, accompanied by itching and a burning sensation between the toes and in the surrounding areas.
Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections are another complication related to uncontrolled glucose levels. An infected nail can become discolored and brittle, and can break easily. A fungal nail infection can also cause pain and swelling. It can even make wearing shoes uncomfortable and result in difficulty when standing or walking.
Peripheral Neuropathy
The extremities of diabetics are most affected by peripheral neuropathy, which is a type of nerve damage due to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Numbness in the feet and legs is an early sign of peripheral neuropathy, which can make you less sensitive to changes in temperature. It is peripheral neuropathy that may make a diabetic person overlook open wounds ontheir feet due to a lack of sensation.
Charcot Foot
A Charcot joint deformity is a complication of diabetes. Its symptoms include losing feeling in the limbs and joints, and a progressive weakening of the bones, which causes them to easily break or become dislocated. A Charcot foot can result in deformity and make it easier for sores to develop on the foot.
A podiatrist is a medical specialist highly trained in the treatment of common diabetes foot problems, including all the ones mentioned above. Make sure to see one if you have podiatric problems, especially if you are diabetic.
Diabetic Foot Treatment in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Uvalde, and Live Oak, TX
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes and have developed problems in your foot, or if you would like to better care for your foot and avoid complications, the podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas can provide you with comprehensive care. We are highly experienced in treating common diabetic foot problems and their complications.
To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, call our podiatry clinic nearest you or use our convenient online request form.
