If you have diabetes, you should be aware of the early symptoms of diabetic foot problems. If left unattended, these issues may cause more serious issues including infection, amputation, or even death. Understanding what to look for may assist you in getting diabetic foot care early and avoiding more severe complications. Here are the signs you have diabetic foot problems:
Hair Loss on Your Toes, Feet, or Legs
Hair grows well in areas that have good blood circulation. If you start experiencing hair loss on your legs, toes, and feet, it can be a sign that there is insufficient blood flow to this area. Diabetes is a potential cause of this foot problem. When you notice this challenge, seek medical attention early to avoid future complications.
Fungal Nail Infection
If you suffer from nail fungal infection, the infected nails become discolored, thick, and brittle. Your shoes’ dark, moist, and warm parts facilitate fungus growth. You can also suffer nail fungal infection from an injury to your nails. To treat these infections, the doctor might recommend oral prescription. Your doctor can also remove the infected nail.
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Calluses
Calluses are hard areas of skin that build up on the lower part of your feet. They occur in people with unevenly distributed weight. You can also experience this problem if you wear poorly fitting shoes or have an underlying skin problem. It is best to see your doctor if you are experiencing any problems with your callus. Let the doctor guide you on how to take care of your callus before you do anything.
Corns
Corns are hard skins that develop between your toes or near the bony areas of your toes. They occur when your shoes exert pressure on your toes. Corns also occur as the toes continue to rub against each other. Be sure to take care of them properly to avoid experiencing more problems. While taking a warm shower, try to remove the hard skin using a pumice stone. Seek medical attention if the problem persists.
Blisters
You risk developing blisters if you lack effective control of your blood sugar levels. You can also develop blisters if you wear shoes without socks. Avoid popping the blisters when treating them. The skin around the blisters should also look healthy. Seek medical attention immediately after you realize that the skin around them is turning red or is becoming swollen.
Bunions
Bunions occur when the big toe develops a deformity and starts bending towards the second toe. You are at a high risk of developing bunions if you are diabetic and overweight. They occur when there is no sufficient blood supply to your feet in tandem with nerve problems. Wearing heels with narrow pointed toes can also cause bunions. To prevent bunions, wear comfortable footwear. Consult your doctor if you start experiencing pain or notice reduced movements with the big toe.
Numbness in the Feet
Reduced sense of touch and temperature can also signify that you are suffering from a diabetic foot problem. This happens when you experience severe nerve damage in your legs. If left unaddressed, the problem can lead to other complications. You are at a high risk of suffering from undetected injuries if you continue feeling numb. The existing injuries will deteriorate if you continue putting pressure on them while walking. This will create sores and ulcers, which then cause infection.
Hammertoes
Hammertoes occur when some toes bend due to weakened muscles. Tendons in your toes become shorter because of the weakened muscle, making them curl under the foot. Hammertoes can occur due to genetic problems. Wearing poorly fitting shoes can also cause hammertoes. You can treat hammertoes by wearing splints and corrective shoes. Sometimes the doctor can recommend surgery to straighten the toes.
Long-term Injuries
You could be having a diabetic foot problem if the sores or injuries on your feet are taking longer time than expected to heal. This happens because the cells in your feet are not receiving enough nutrients and growth factors to repair the injured parts. If you notice this problem, seek medical attention early because it can cause more harm.
Ingrown Toenails
This foot problem occurs when your nail edges start growing into your skin. Such nails may cut through your skin, causing pain, swelling, and infection. Ingrown toenails occur when you wear shoes that put pressure on your nails. Improperly trimmed nails and recurrent trauma on your feet caused by running or walking can also cause ingrown toenails. Seek medical attention if the problem persists or if you have a nail infection.
Consult a Diabetic Foot Care Doctor
People with diabetes may experience foot problems. Some of these problems are minor and bothersome, but others can be fatal or lead to amputation and permanent disability. Consult a diabetic foot care doctor if you notice any abnormal changes. Keeping your diabetes in check may prevent most of these health problems. Wearing well-fitting shoes may also help keep your feet healthy.
