How Can Diabetes Affect The Feet?

Diabetes, especially poorly controlled diabetes, can cause nerve damage and poor circulation. This can lead to foot ulcers, blisters, pain, and foot infections.


In this article, we look at foot problems that can occur in people with unmanaged or poorly managed diabetes and discuss how to prevent and manage these effects.


The following are some foot problems people may experience:

Diabetic Neuropathy

People with diabetes have a higher risk of peripheral vascular disease (PVD)

Trusted Source, especially if they do not take their medication or have difficulty controlling blood sugar. PVD occurs when fatty deposits narrow the blood vessels, reducing circulation.

PVD tends to affect blood vessels leading to and from the extremities, such as the hands and feet, reducing blood flow to both. Reduced blood flow can lead to pain, infection, and wounds that heal slowly.

Over time, peripheral vascular disease can cause nerve damage that leads to numbness. in the feet. This can make it hard for people with diabetes to feel sensations in their extremities( cuts, sores). High blood sugar also damages the nerves and interferes with their ability to send signals.

 

Diabetic Ulcers

About 7% of people with peripheral neuropathy develop diabetic foot ulcers each year. A combination of poor circulation and nerve damage means that a person may not notice the ulcers until they are severe. Weak circulation can also slow healing. Left untreated, ulcers can damage the foot and become infected. 

Ulcers may also make walking very painful. improper shoes and socks may intensify ulcer symptoms.

Diabetic Calluses

Calluses are areas of hard, thickened skin cells. Large calluses on the feet can make it hard to walk and may change how shoes fit. The primary issue with calluses is that they increase the risk of ulcers and infections. Keeping calluses clean and removing them when necessary is important for protecting the feet. 

Foot Infections

Diabetic ulcers can become infected, especially if a person does not treat them or keep them clean. These infections may spread to the bloodstream, damaging organs and endangering a person’s life.

A person may also experience gangrene, which causes tissue death and may lead to amputation.

Foot infections can damage the underlying structures of the foot, including the bones. Poor circulation also damages underlying structures. This can change the shape of the foot, causing further pain and difficulty walking.

Amputation

Diabetic foot problems can lead to serious infections. To prevent an infection from spreading and minimize damage to nearby regions such as the legs, a doctor may recommend amputation. Amputation means removing a part of the body, such as a toe, foot, or portion of the leg.

Treatment.

Treatment for diabetic foot problems varies according to the severity of the condition. A range of options may help.

  • keeping wounds clean and dressed
  • prescribing antibiotics to treat infections
  • removing calluses
  • prescribing immobilization devices, such as a walking cast or total contact cast
  • closely observing any gangrene on the toes until self-amputation occurs, which is when the toes fall off due to lack of blood flow
  • recommending exercises and diet changes to manage peripheral vascular disease and prevent it from getting worse

Note: When these treatments do not successfully heal diabetic foot problems, a doctor might consider surgery.

Diabetic Foot Care Tips

Preventing foot problems is essential for people who have diabetes. Keeping feet healthy is critical, and a person should be vigilant about foot hygiene. An individual can take the following steps:

    • Check the feet each day: Examine the feet daily or ask someone to check for any changes or injuries.
    • Wash the feet daily: Keep the feet clean to prevent infections.
    • Wear supportive shoes and socks: Protect the feet in socks and shoes at all times. 

 

  • Promote blood flow to the feet: Put the feet up when sitting, wiggle the toes periodically, and get enough exercise. These actions help promote healthy blood flow to the feet.
  • Trim nails carefully: Trim toenails straight across and keep them short. Rounded nails can grow inward, leading to infection.
  • Care for corns and bunions: Treat corns and bunions carefully. Never shave corns, as this increases the risk of infection.
  • Protect feet from extreme temperatures: Exposure to extreme hot and cold can damage the feet of people with diabetes.
  • Receive regular examinations on the feet: Regular examinations by a doctor are key to preventing infections, amputations, and severe deformities.
  • Control blood sugar: Uncontrolled blood sugars increase the risk of podiatric

 

Finding a Solution with Fayybek Shoes.

Here are two of our favorite picks for shoes that can support your recovery if you are having symptoms of Foot problems.

ComforFeet.

 

ComfortFeet is a superlight casual shoe that is ideal for walking and light exercise. It comes lined with Fayybek™ Foam midsole which delivers phenomenal lightness, unprecedented cushioning and optimized energy return during push-off. With the custom fit that comes from a “self-molding” Superior Insole™ , you can plan on an excellent fit and superior comfort.

 WideStretch Fayybek Shoe.

If you are dealing with foot problems that occur  with unmanaged or poorly managed diabetes ,  Fayybek has the perfect feature for you! The broad toe box in this style is a medium width that will accommodate the need for extra space in the forefoot area and will not crowd your toes. Breathable mesh uppers, ULTIMATE INSOLES™ , and excellent traction outsoles means that this shoe is ready to go. You can feel the confidence in your stride with the Fayybek shoes  because you know that your foot is feeling pampered and secure.

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