Diabetes and your feet

Diabetes affects the circulation and immune system, which in turn impairs the body’s ability to heal itself. Over time, diabetes can damage sensory nerves (this is known as “neuropathy”), especially in the hands and feet.

As a result, people with diabetes are less likely to feel a foot injury, such as a blister or cut. Unnoticed and untreated, even small foot injuries can quickly become infected, potentially leading to serious complications.

helpful tips Get more helpful tips on maintaining healthy feet if you’re a diabetic here.

When to see your doctor about your feet if you have diabetes

  • If you have any swelling, warmth, redness or pain in your legs or feet, see your doctor right away.
  • If you have any corns (thick or hard skin on toes), calluses (thick skin on bottom of feet), in-grown toenails, warts or slivers, have them treated by your doctor or a foot care specialist (such as a podiatrist, chiropodist or experienced foot care nurse). Do not try to treat them yourself.
  • Have your bare feet checked by your doctor at least once a year. In addition, ask your doctor to screen you for neuropathy and loss of circulation at least once a year.
  • Take your socks off at every diabetes-related visit to your doctor and ask him or her to inspect your feet

Diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcers are a breakdown of the skin tissue on an area of the foot. An ulcer can develop quickly and may be painful and difficult to heal. Infection is a common complication. It may be necessary is important to have an X-ray to determine whether there is any bone involvement when an ulcer is present.

Causes of diabetic ulcers:

  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
  • Vascular insufficiency
  • Lack of sensation
  • Chronic irritation from ill-fitting shoes
  • Trauma

What should you do if you think you have an ulcer on your foot?

  • Consult a podiatrist immediately.
  • Alert the doctor’s office that you are a diabetic with a foot sore.
  • Self-treatment is not recommended for this serious condition.

What can our podiatrists do for you?

  • Perform a physical examination.
  • Request an X-ray, bone scan, CT, MRI or other imaging studies.
  • Perform debridement and wound care.
  • Conduct laboratory tests.
  • Initiate total medical team approach, which may include your family practice doctor, endocrinologist, internist, vascular surgeon, and infectious disease specialist.

book an appointment For more information, book an appointment with one of our doctors.