People with diabetes often have problems with their feet. They may develop foot develop sores, deformities and infections more easily.
If not treated quickly, a foot ulcer or blister on a person with diabetes can get infected. Sometimes a surgeon must amputate (remove) a toe, foot or part of the leg to prevent the spread of infection.
What causes diabetes-related foot conditions?
Long-term high blood sugar can cause a type of nerve damage called diabetes-related neuropathy. Diabetes-related neuropathy can occur throughout the body, but most often in the legs and feet.
The condition might make you lose feeling in your feet. If your feet are numb, you might not notice a blister, cut or sore. You might not even feel a pebble in your sock that is cutting your foot, for example. Wounds that go unnoticed and untreated can become infected.
Diabetes can also affect blood flow to your legs and feet. People with diabetes are more likely to develop peripheral artery disease (PAD). This condition causes arteries to become narrowed or blocked. Reduced blood flow (poor circulation) can make it difficult for a diabetes-related foot ulcer or infection to heal.
What are the symptoms of diabetes-related neuropathy?
The signs of diabetes-related neuropathy may include:
Darkened skin on the affected area.
Diminished ability to sense hot or cold.
Loss of hair in the area.
Numbness.
Pain.
Tingling.
If diabetes-related neuropathy leads to foot ulcers, symptoms to watch out for include:
Any changes to the skin or toenails, including cuts, blisters, calluses or sores.
Discharge of fluid or pus.
Foul smell.
Pain.
Redness.
Skin discoloration.
Swelling.
How are diabetes-related foot ulcers treated?
Care for diabetes-related foot pain may involve a doctor who specializes in the feet, called a podiatrist. Treatment may include:
Cleaning the wound.
Draining any fluid or pus from the ulcer.
Removing or cutting away dead or infected tissue (called debridement).
Applying special bandages and ointments to absorb extra fluid, protect the wound and help it heal.
Prescribing a wheelchair or crutches to take weight off the affected foot (called offloading).
Prescribing oral or IV antibiotics to manage and eliminate infection.
Depending on how severe the infection is, your healthcare provider may recommend hospitalization. Sometimes amputation is necessary to prevent infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
How are diabetes-related foot conditions diagnosed?
To diagnose diabetes-related foot conditions, a healthcare provider will:
Ask about your symptoms and how well you’re managing blood glucose.
Examine your toes, feet and legs.
Touch the toes, feet and legs with various tools to check whether you have numbness.
If a diabetes-related ulcer or blister is present, the healthcare provider will likely:
Examine it for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, discoloration or discharge.
Order tests to take pictures deeper than the skin, such as X-ray or MRI.
Take a sample of the skin or discharge to test for infection.
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