Common Diabetic Foot Problems

People with diabetes are at risk of developing foot problems as a result of prolonged periods of abnormally high blood sugar levels. Peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy are the two most common issues that affect the feet of people with diabetes, and both can cause severe complications.

It is, therefore, not surprising that diabetes is responsible for about half of all cases of foot amputation in the United States. Therefore, it is important for people with diabetes to regularly check their feet and visit an orthopedist for professional diabetic foot care in Las Vegas. Below are some foot problems that can occur in people with poorly managed diabetes and the symptoms that they come with.

The Diabetic Foot Problems

Some of the most common diabetic foot problems that can occur due to poorly managed diabetes include:

Diabetic Neuropathy

Over the years, poorly managed diabetes can damage nerves and consequently render the foot numb. This can make it difficult for a person to feel sensation in their extremities. As such, people with this condition may have difficulty feeling soreness, irritation, or pain on the feet. They may also not feel it when their shoes are rubbing. The lack of sensation can result in an increased risk of blisters, sores, and cuts. This means that they may not know it when there are infections, gangrene, and or ulcers. Unfortunately, if a patient develops gangrene, the only way to treat it may be through amputation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Diabetes has the effect of causing problems in the blood vessels, including the arteries. With peripheral heart disease, diabetes causes fatty deposits that can block blood vessels beyond the heart and the brains. This consequently leads to reduced blood flow to the feet and the hands. The reduced blood flow can lead to infections, pain, and wounds that take long to heal. If a person develops a serious infection, they can end up losing their foot through amputation.

The Symptoms

The symptoms of diabetic foot problems can vary from one person to another. They largely depend on the particular issue that a patient is experiencing at the time. Generally, the symptoms include:

  • A loss of feeling in the foot
  • Tingling or numbness in the foot
  • Wounds or blisters without pain
  • Temperature changes and skin discolorations
  • Red streaks
  • Wound with or even without drainage
  • Staining of socks
  • Painful tingling

If an infection develops, a patient can experience fever, chills, shacking, redness, or even shock. If you have diabetes and you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is imperative for you to seek emergency medical attention.

The Takeaway

Overall, it is apparent that if you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing two major foot problems that can lead to severe complications and even amputation. Therefore, it is imperative for you to seek the services of a doctor and check your feet on a daily basis to ensure that any emerging problem is treated promptly. If you are looking for a reliable orthopedist to help you with diabetic foot care, Battle Born Bone & Joint Center is an excellent facility to visit. 

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