Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes is a condition that requires a lot of vigilance and care, particularly when it comes to your feet. This article aims to inform you about how diabetes can affect your feet and common foot problems that can put you at risk. We will also share top tips to keep our feet healthy.

At Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute in Austin, Texas, we specialize in comprehensive diabetic foot care to ensure that every step you take is supported by our expertise and dedication. Feel free to call us to see how we can support you.

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Understanding Diabetes and Its Impact on Your Feet

Diabetes is a condition in which the body can’t regulate glucose (blood sugar) normally. Those with diabetes have trouble with insulin, the hormone that transports glucose into cells to be used for energy. If you have diabetes, either you don’t have enough insulin or your body doesn’t use the insulin properly. This results in a buildup of glucose in the blood.

With diabetes, you may experience symptoms like fatigue, increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, extreme hunger, and unexplained weight loss. If you do not have proper control of your diabetes, it can affect other parts of your body, including your feet.

How Does Diabetes Affect Your Feet?

Diabetes can affect your feet in two primary ways:

Diabetic Neuropathy

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to nerve damage. This can cause sensory diabetic neuropathy. This condition reduces the sensations you feel in your feet, making it difficult to detect injuries or changes in temperature.

Consequently, minor cuts or sores may worsen unnoticed, potentially leading to infections. Additionally, damaged nerves can affect muscle function, altering foot alignment and exerting pressure unevenly. This can be treated my MLS Laser Therapy.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Diabetes can damage blood vessels in the feet. This results in poor blood flow, making it more difficult for wounds and injuries to heal. This condition is called peripheral vascular disease. Poor circulation heightens the risk of ulcers or gangrene following a foot infection.

Common Diabetic Foot Problems

Our team is equipped to address a spectrum of foot issues commonly encountered by individuals managing diabetes. These include:

Athlete’s Foot: Fungal infections causing itching and cracking, with the potential for secondary infections.
Fungal Nail Infections: Discolored, thickened nails prone to separation and crumbling.
Calluses: Buildups of hard skin due to uneven weight distribution or ill-fitting footwear.
Charcot Foot: An undetected injury can lead to physical changes in your foot.
Corns: A build-up of hard skin near a bone due to tight footwear
Blisters: Resulting from friction and often caused by improper shoe fit.
Bunions: The big toe bends toward the second toe and the joint can stick out and rub on your shoe
Hammertoes: Deformities affecting toe alignment because of a weakened muscle.
Dry Skin: Cracked skin is prone to infection
Foot Ulcers: A foot ulcer is an infection in the skin or a deep sore
Ingrown Toenails: Painful conditions arising from improper nail trimming or footwear pressure.
Plantar Warts: Viral infections causing painful growths on the soles of the feet.

Tips for Preventing Foot Complications

Prevention is paramount in diabetic foot care. Here are some proactive measures to safeguard your foot health:

Maintain Diabetes Management: Follow prescribed nutrition, exercise, and medication regimens to keep blood sugar levels stable.
Practice Daily Foot Care: Regularly inspect your feet for signs of injury or infection, and keep them clean and moisturized.
Wear Proper Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes that fit well and provide ample support. Avoid going barefoot to minimize injury risks.
Monitor Blood Flow: Promote circulation by avoiding prolonged sitting with crossed legs and staying active. Keep the blood flowing in your feet by taking a brisk walk from time to time.
Quit Smoking: Smoking makes blood flow issues worse, increasing the risk of complications.
Regularly See a Foot Doctor: You should get a thorough foot exam once a year and a check-up every 2-3 months.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

At Bluebonnet Foot and Ankle Institute, we are committed to empowering individuals with diabetes to prioritize their foot health. Our team of experts in Austin, TX, is here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about diabetic foot syndrome with us. Don’t let foot problems hinder your quality of life—schedule an appointment with us today and take proactive steps towards a healthier future!

Medically reviewed by Liza Chabokrow, DPM