How Diabetes Can Take a Toll on Your Feet

Diabetes affects multiple organ systems, and also profoundly impacts foot health. With impaired blood glucose control comes a host of potential complications that can take a toll on your feet, from nerve damage to delayed wound healing. 

Everyone with diabetes should have a foot and ankle specialist as part of their health care team. At Precision Foot and Ankle Care in West Bloomfield, Michigan, board-certified foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon Dr. Angela Jacob, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS and the rest of our team have extensive experience helping patients with diabetes keep their feet healthy. 

From providing guidance on home foot care, to top-quality diabetic wound care, our team has you and your feet covered. In this post, our experts shed some light on just some of the ways diabetes threatens your foot health. 

Diabetic neuropathy

As high blood sugar levels can injure nerve fibers throughout the body, your feet are often the first area to suffer. This can lead to a loss of sensation, known as peripheral neuropathy. The danger with peripheral neuropathy is that a person might not notice minor injuries such as cuts, blisters, or sores which, if left untreated, can become more serious.

To combat this, performing daily foot inspections is a simple yet essential habit for people with diabetes. Using a mirror to check the soles of your feet or asking a loved one for help ensures that you don't miss a potential problem. Any wounds, no matter how insignificant they may seem, warrant prompt medical attention.

Poor circulation

People with diabetes often experience poor blood circulation, especially to the extremities like the legs and feet. This is primarily due to the damage high glucose levels can cause to blood vessels. Impaired blood flow can slow down the healing process, making it harder for wounds to heal and increasing the risk of infection.

Staying active is one of the most effective ways to improve circulation. Simple activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can go a long way in boosting blood flow. Additionally, it's beneficial to avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods and to elevate your feet when resting.

Foot ulcers

A common and serious complication of diabetes is foot ulcers. These are wounds that develop as a result of skin tissue breaking down, often occurring on pressure points on the feet such as the ball of the foot or the bottom of the big toe. 

Left untreated, these ulcers can become deeply infected and lead to serious complications, even necessitating amputation in severe cases. Proactive measures, including wearing specially designed shoes or insoles to reduce pressure points and regular foot examinations, can significantly decrease the risk of developing foot ulcers. If a foot ulcer does develop, seek immediate medical attention.

Charcot foot

Charcot foot, a severe condition impacting those with significant neuropathy, is characterized by the weakening of the foot's bones. With the bones more prone to fracture, even minor injuries can lead to significant structural changes in the foot. The arch of the foot may eventually collapse, resulting in a foot shape that resembles the bottom of a rocking chair.

Identifying charcot foot early is crucial, as prompt treatment can prevent more serious damage. Non-weight-bearing devices like a cast or brace can be used to protect and rest the foot, allowing it to heal. If left unchecked, however, surgery might be necessary to realign the affected bones.

Changes in foot shape

Diabetes can also cause changes to the shape of your feet. Neuropathy and poor circulation can cause foot muscles to function improperly, leading to deformities such as hammertoes and bunions.

While some changes are inevitable with time, others can be managed or even prevented with proper foot care. This may include using custom orthotics to distribute pressure evenly across the foot, wearing supportive shoes that accommodate any changes in foot shape, and taking good care of your feet by keeping them clean, dry, and moisturized.

Taking good care of your feet is vital when you have diabetes, and the Precision Foot and Ankle Center team can help. If you or a loved one has diabetes, stop in for a consultation to see how we can help you take the best care of your feet. Call 248-778-8187 or send our team a message today.