What Are the Common Foot Risks & Problems with Diabetes?

Having diabetes means that you are at a much greater risk of developing foot problems. Read on to find out what are the common foot risks and problems you face as a diabetic. 

Individuals with diabetes are prone to foot problems that develop as a result of high blood sugar levels. The two main foot problems that occur are diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease – both these ailments can lead to serious complications if not treated immediately. Diabetes is caused due to faulty or insufficient insulin production or even low sensitivity to insulin in the body. 

Insulin is an essential hormone required to help cells absorb sugar from the body and convert that into energy. When your insulin isn’t working properly, sugar from food and drinks can circulate in the blood causing serious issues. Prolonged levels of high blood sugar can damage certain areas of the body including feet. When this happens depending on how serious it is you may need to amputate your foot. 

Foot problems in Diabetic people 

• Diabetic neuropathy 

Over a prolonged period of time, diabetes can cause nerve damage which leads to your feet becoming numb. This can make it hard for people to feel any sensation at their extremities including heat, cold, irritation, soreness, pain, or infection. They may not notice if their feet are hurt or sore from their shoes and this can lead to an increased risk of cuts, blisters, and sores. If a person does not receive diabetic foot treatment in Baltimore, this can lead to an infection, ulcers, and even gangrene. If it gets more serious than the best wound care treatment your doctor might suggest would be to amputate the foot. 

• Peripheral vascular disease 

Diabetes can also lead to changes in the blood vessels including your arteries which leads to fatty deposits blocking vessels in your brain and heart. This affects the blood vessels leading to and from your extremities which reduces the flow of blood to your hands and feet. Reduced blood flow can lead to pain, infection, and slowly healing wounds that may lead to severe infection and if your diabetic foot ulcer treatment is not done, your doctor may suggest an amputation.

Symptoms of diabetes 

These symptoms of diabetes may vary from person to person. Depending on how far along the individual is, symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling sensation

• Blisters or wounds without pain

• Skin discoloration and temperature changes

• Wounds with or without drainage

• Red streaks

• Loss of feeling

• Staining on socks

• Fever

• Chills

• Shaking

• Shock

• Redness

When should you see a doctor? 

People who need their bunion treatment in Baltimore need to see a doctor regularly, including if you have had a hammertoe surgery in Baltimore and diabetes. Seek immediate medical attention if you feel pain, swelling, temperature changes in your feet, persistent sores, ingrown toenails, dry cracked skin, fungal infections, or any other signs of infections. Your diabetic foot treatment in Baltimore will range depending on the severity of the condition into surgical and non-surgical wound care treatment.

Foot problems in diabetes can develop due to restricted blood flow and unnoticed cuts, infections, and numbness in that area. Your diabetic foot ulcer treatment may be done by a doctor along with regular checks to ensure that your bunions treatment in Baltimore doesn’t develop into complications. Your doctor will try to treat your feet using observation, sterilization, and immobilization devices like a cast boot. They will also recommend hammer toes surgery in Baltimore to remove the infected tissue so that the infection doesn’t spread. This may require an amputation above or below the knee. All you can do is keep up your regular doctors’ appointments and ensure your infected foot gets treated sooner than later. 

MVS Podiatry and Associates have been providing top-quality medical and surgical care for patients suffering from conditions and injuries around the foot and ankle area. All the staff have special training and expertise in this area and provide the best medical treatment you can find.