Spotting the Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot
Diabetes can significantly impact various aspects of your health, including your feet. Diabetic foot is defined as an issue that arises from nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood flow (peripheral artery disease) in the feet of people with diabetes. These conditions can lead to various problems, from minor skin issues to severe infections and amputations. Recognizing the early warning signs of diabetic foot is crucial for timely intervention and preventing complications.
Understanding the Risks of Diabetic Foot
High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, making it difficult for your feet to feel sensations like pain, temperature, and pressure. This can lead to unnoticed injuries, such as cuts, blisters, and burns. Poor blood circulation worsens this condition and can significantly deteriorate over time.
Spotting the Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot
Identifying diabetic foot symptoms as early as possible will be crucial in reducing the significant effect it will have on the individual. Here are some of the most common symptoms of having diabetic feet:
- Numbness or tingling: The most common symptom seen among diabetic feet patients is Tingling.
- Burning or shooting pain: You may experience burning or shooting pain in your feet, especially at night.
- Loss of balance: Nerve damage can greatly affect body movement, and as a result, individuals always face injuries while walking.
- Dry, cracked skin: The skin on your feet can easily get cracked, and individuals can start feeling a burning sensation, which can easily become infected.
- Slow-healing sores: Any cuts, scrapes, or blisters may take longer than usual due to poor blood circulation.
Foot deformities: Conditions like hammertoes, bunions, and claw toes can put extra pressure on certain areas of your feet, increasing the risk of injury.
Key Factors of Diabetic Foot Disease
- Poor diabetes control: High blood sugar can lead to decreased sensation and ultimately affects the overall mobility of the individual.
- Unnoticed cuts, blisters, and ulcers from trauma.
- Conditions such as big toe spurs and Charcot foot can put additional stress on certain areas, increasing the risk of ulcers.
The Role of the Physician
Foot Health: People with diabetes need regular checkups with their physician.
Personalisation: A podiatrist can assess the individual’s condition and the severity of the disorder and personalise the treatment accordingly.
Custom orthotics: Help improve foot function and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.
Taking Action: Preventing and Managing Diabetic Foot
- Regular foot checks: Daily foot inspections identify cuts, blisters, or other injuries.
- Proper footwear: Wear well-fitting, supportive shoes that provide adequate cushioning and protection. Avoid going barefoot.
- Maintain good foot hygiene: Wash your feet daily with hot water, and after bathing, always use a nice towel without dust to clean your toes and feet.
- Control blood sugar levels: Maintaining good blood sugar control prevents nerve damage and improves blood circulation.
- Stop smoking: The amount of nicotine a person consumes is directly proportional to the decreased movement of blood flow.
- Consult a podiatrist: Early warning signs of diabetic foot and consultation with a podiatrist can help this patient avoid serious complications.
Seeking Professional Help
If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetic feet complications, it’s essential to seek professional guidance. Having decades of experience in Diabetic foot treatment in Dubai, Dr Ehab Kheir can help patients get away from diabetic foot.
FAQs
Diabetic foot is primarily caused by nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood flow (peripheral artery disease) in the feet of people with diabetes.
Yes, taking proactive steps such as regular foot checks, maintaining good blood sugar control, and protecting your foot with appropriate and comfortable footwear can significantly reduce diabetic foot complications.
Early-stage diabetic foot ulcers typically appear as small, open sores on the bottom of the foot, often on the ball or heel.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any signs of diabetic foot complications, such as numbness, tingling, burning pain, slow-healing sores, or open wounds.
