Diabetes not only increases the risk of infections, but also of foot problems. People with diabetes are more prone to foot problems due to many reasons. However, if you take good care of your feet and are careful to catch early signs, you can prevent this problem. Learn what causes and increases the risk of diabetic feet in this article. Get a consultation with the best Podiatrists in Brooklyn.
What are the risk factors of diabetic foot?
People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from foot issues, also known as diabetic foot. Diabetes might make it easier for a person to acquire foot ulcers, deformities, and infections. A diabetic’s foot ulcer or blister might get infected if it is not treated promptly. To keep an infection from spreading, a surgeon may have to amputate a toe, foot, or even a leg.
Those who have diabetes may be at risk for developing foot complications.
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of foot problems, particularly in those who have:
- Feet with inadequate blood flow and nerve damage.
- Long-term problems with blood glucose control, including recurrent episodes of hyperglycemia (excessive elevation of blood sugar).
- Obesity issues.
- A long-term sufferer of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Hypertension or elevated cholesterol.
There are a lot of diabetes-related foot problems. A person with diabetes has a 15% probability of developing a foot issue at some point in their life.
Symptoms
- Your feet may get numb as a result of this illness.
- Blisters, cuts, and sores may go unnoticed by you if your feet are numb.
- A rock in your sock that is slicing your foot might go unnoticed.
- Untreated wounds can become infected if they go unnoticed and ignored.
Causes
Diabetes-related neuropathy is a type of nerve injury caused by long-term elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy can affect any part of the body, but it is most common in the feet and legs.
The blood flow to your legs and feet can be hampered by diabetes. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is more common among diabetics. This condition narrows or blocks the arteries. It can be difficult for a foot ulcer or infection caused by diabetes to heal if blood flow is reduced (poor circulation).
Is there a way to tell whether you have diabetic neuropathy?
An indication of diabetic neuropathy is darkened skin around the affected area.
The inability to distinguish between hot and cold temperatures decreases.
- Hair loss in the affected area.
- Changes in the skin or toenails, such as cuts, blisters, calluses, or sores.
- If diabetic neuropathy leads to foot ulcers
The following are signs to watch out for:
- Fluids or pus may be expelled.
- There’s a stench.
- Discoloration of the skin
- Swelling
Treatment
What is the best course of action for diabetic feet?
There are several things you can do, such as offloading the wound, daily saline, or similar dressings to keep the wound moist, debridement, when necessary, antibiotic therapy with or without surgery if osteomyelitis or soft tissue infection is present and controlling blood flow are all important for diabetic foot ulcers.
The podiatry team at Doral Health and Wellness wants to give you the best care for your ankles and feet. The following illnesses are treated:
- Arthritis and diabetes problems
- Bunions
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Pain in the nerves
- Ingrown toenails occur when the nails get stuck in the middle of the toe.
- There is pain in my heel and ankle.
- Calluses
- Wounds and ulcers are things that happen to people.
- A runner’s foot
If you’re having problems with your feet or ankles, a podiatrist at Doral Health and Wellness can help you figure out what’s wrong and what treatment options are available for you. At Doral Health & Wellness, we have Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call + 1 718 367 2555 or send an email to info@doralhw.org.
