Diabetes Can Change a Foot Before It Hurts
Pain usually tells us to protect an injured area. Diabetes can weaken that warning system. Peripheral neuropathy may reduce the ability to feel pressure, heat, cold, cuts, or blisters. Circulation problems can also slow healing. As a result, a foot problem may be present even when it does not hurt.
A daily check helps replace the missing warning signal with a visual routine.
Why sensation may change
High blood sugar over time can damage peripheral nerves. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, burning, sensitivity, or weakness, but some people have little or no noticeable sensation change. A shoe seam, small object, or blister can continue creating pressure because the usual pain signal is muted.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that nerve damage commonly affects the feet and legs and recommends checking the feet every day, even when they feel fine.
Why healing may take longer
Diabetes can occur with reduced blood flow to the feet. Tissue needs oxygen and nutrients to repair skin damage and fight infection. When sensation and circulation are both affected, a small injury can remain unnoticed and become harder to heal.
Smoking, kidney disease, previous ulcer, foot deformity, and poorly fitting shoes can add to the risk.
What to look for every day
- Cuts, blisters, cracks, sores, or drainage
- Redness, swelling, warmth, or color change
- Corns, calluses, or new pressure points
- Thick, broken, or ingrown nails
- Dry skin, peeling, or moisture between the toes
- A change in foot shape or shoe fit
Use a mirror to inspect the soles and heels or ask someone for help. Check inside shoes before putting them on, and avoid walking barefoot indoors or outdoors.
What not to do at home
Do not cut corns or calluses, use medicated acid pads, pop blisters, or place heating pads directly on the feet. Reduced sensation can make burns and skin injuries difficult to notice. Nail care may also need professional help when vision, reach, circulation, or sensation is limited.
When to call
Contact a clinician for broken skin, drainage, increasing redness, warmth, swelling, odor, color change, an ingrown nail, or a spot that is not improving. Fever, spreading redness, black tissue, or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical attention.
Foot & Ankle Centers provides diabetic foot care, including examinations, wound care, pressure management, nail care, custom orthotics, and prescription footwear when appropriate.
Build preventive care into the diabetes routine
A complete foot examination can assess skin, circulation, sensation, nails, pressure points, and footwear. The frequency of visits depends on risk and prior problems.
Martin Sloan, DPM, provides diabetic foot care through Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney. Schedule diabetic foot care or call (972) 712-7773.