Diabetes can have a significant impact on your foot health, leading to complications that, if left untreated, can become serious. Understanding the connection between diabetes and foot health is essential for prevention and early intervention.
How Diabetes Affects the Feet
Diabetes can lead to two major foot problems:
- Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, particularly in the legs and feet, causing a loss of sensation. This means you might not feel pain from injuries, cuts, or blisters, which can lead to infections or ulcers.
- Poor Circulation: Diabetes can also cause poor blood flow, making it difficult for sores or infections to heal. This can increase the risk of serious complications, including the need for amputation.
Common Diabetic Foot Problems
- Foot Ulcers: Open sores that are slow to heal, often due to poor circulation and neuropathy.
- Infections: Even minor cuts can become infected if not treated promptly, due to the reduced ability to fight off infections.
- Charcot Foot: A condition where the bones in the foot weaken and fracture, leading to deformity if not treated early.
Preventative Measures
Taking care of your feet is crucial for diabetics. Here are some steps you can take:
- Daily Foot Inspections: Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or any changes in color or temperature.
- Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and provide adequate support to avoid blisters and other injuries.
- Keep Feet Clean and Moisturized: Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, and apply moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and prevent cracking.
- Regular Check-ups: Visit a podiatrist regularly to monitor your foot health and address any issues before they become serious.
At Bellagio Foot & Ankle, we specialize in diabetic foot care and can help you manage your foot health to prevent complications. Contact us today via email or call 480-717-5011 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support your foot health.
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Diabetes can have a significant impact on your foot health, leading to complications that, if left untreated, can become serious. Understanding the connection between diabetes and foot health is essential for prevention and early intervention.
How Diabetes Affects the Feet
Diabetes can lead to two major foot problems:
- Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, particularly in the legs and feet, causing a loss of sensation. This means you might not feel pain from injuries, cuts, or blisters, which can lead to infections or ulcers.
- Poor Circulation: Diabetes can also cause poor blood flow, making it difficult for sores or infections to heal. This can increase the risk of serious complications, including the need for amputation.
Common Diabetic Foot Problems
- Foot Ulcers: Open sores that are slow to heal, often due to poor circulation and neuropathy.
- Infections: Even minor cuts can become infected if not treated promptly, due to the reduced ability to fight off infections.
- Charcot Foot: A condition where the bones in the foot weaken and fracture, leading to deformity if not treated early.
Preventative Measures
Taking care of your feet is crucial for diabetics. Here are some steps you can take:
- Daily Foot Inspections: Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or any changes in color or temperature.
- Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and provide adequate support to avoid blisters and other injuries.
- Keep Feet Clean and Moisturized: Wash your feet daily with warm water and mild soap, and apply moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and prevent cracking.
- Regular Check-ups: Visit a podiatrist regularly to monitor your foot health and address any issues before they become serious.
At Bellagio Foot & Ankle, we specialize in diabetic foot care and can help you manage your foot health to prevent complications. Contact us today via email or call 480-717-5011 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support your foot health.