5 Signs You Should See A Doctor For Your Diabetic Feet

Diabetes is a health condition that occurs when the body can’t properly control glucose (sugar) levels in your bloodstream. This excess glucose can lead to nerve damage and circulatory disorders, and because your feet are the furthest part of your body from your heart, they can be hit especially hard by diabetic complications. Poorly managed diabetes can even lead to toe or foot amputation, so it’s imperative that you know the signs of an issue and you seek out treatment if you’re dealing with a foot problem that is caused or exacerbated by your diabetes. In today’s blog, we look at five signs that suggest you should connect with a foot specialist to help manage your foot problems and diabetes.

Symptoms Of Diabetic Foot Problems

As we mentioned in the intro, diabetes can oftentimes cause problems for your circulatory and nervous systems, which can both lead to issues with your feet. Nerve damage can make it so that your feet are constantly uncomfortable, or it can lead to foot numbness and a lack of sensation. Being unable to feel pain in your feet may sound like a good thing, but pain is how our brain signals that there is an issue that requires our attention. If you’re suffering from loss of pain sensations in your feet, you may not realize that a foot issue has developed, and the injury may be very slow to heal because of the poor circulation you’re experiencing.

As you can see, diabetic foot problems can compound in a hurry, so it’s imperative that you recognize some of the warning signs of an issue and you seek out appropriate care. Here’s a look at five signs that you’ll want to connect with a foot specialist about how to care for issues with your diabetic feet:

1. Sensation Loss - As we just discussed, loss of sensation can be a major issue for your feet, and it’s also a sign that nerve damage is likely present. Small sores or wounds may go unnoticed, which can lead to worsening injuries that may struggle to heal as a result of lack of healthy blood flow. If you touch your feet or apply heat or ice to the area and the sensation is dull or non-existent, reach out to a foot specialist.
2. Thick, Yellow Toenails - Diabetics may also notice that their toenails are becoming thicker and yellower in hue. This change has to do with how your body breaks down sugar and its effect on the collagen in your nails. The yellowing itself isn’t harmful, but it can make walking more uncomfortable, and it can mask the signs of a fungal infection. Your doctor can help you manage toenail problems that develop as a result of your diabetes.
3. Foot Shape Changes - If you’ve noticed that one foot is starting to change in shape, or your two feet no longer look similar, it’s an indication that you should have your feet examined by a specialist. Diabetes can contribute to foot structure changes like fallen arches, hammertoes and bunions, all of which can become more painful if not addressed.
4. Dry, Cracked Skin - Aside from being a potential area through which bacteria can enter the body, dry and cracked skin can be a sign of nerve damage in your body. Dry, cracked skin on your feet can be an indication that nerve damage is impacting your body’s ability to regulate the amount of oil and moisture on your feet. While lotions and creams can help to moisturize your feet, talking with a foot specialist about the underlying nerve damage will be beneficial.
5. Ulcers And Foot Sores - Finally, foot ulcers can develop as a result of repetitive pressure on an area of the foot that isn’t getting the circulation that it needs. These sores are oftentimes slow to heal as a result of circulation problems, meaning they typically get worse unless you seek out professional medical assistance. Untreated ulcers can greatly increase your risk of foot infections and even the need for toe or foot amputation, so never ignore an ulcer or foot sore if you’re diabetic, even if the sore isn’t painful at the moment.

If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, or you want to talk to a foot specialist about a different foot or ankle issue that you’re dealing with, reach out to the team at The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics today at (703) 584-2040.