How Diabetes Can Lead to Foot Problems – Nerve Damage, Infection, and Amputation Risks

KOMPAS.com – Anyone can experience foot problems. However, for diabetics, foot problems can cause infection and amputation.

Quoting the CDC, most diabetes sufferers experience nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) because blood sugar levels are too high.

Diabetics can experience nerve damage in any part of the body, but the nerves in the feet and legs are most commonly affected.

Also read: 14 Signs of Diabetic Foot Wounds to Know

Nerve damage can cause your feet to lose feeling or go numb.

So, it can cause your feet to be injured without feeling pain, heat or cold.

Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong so you can take care of yourself.

If you don’t have pain in your feet, you may not notice cuts, blisters, blisters, or other problems.

Small wounds can become serious diabetes complications such as amputation, if not treated early.

This article will briefly review the types of foot problems that diabetes sufferers are prone to, in order to increase your awareness.

Also read: Signs of Infection in Wounds on the Feet of Diabetics

What are the common foot problems in diabetes sufferers?

Quoted from WebMD, the following types of foot problems in diabetes sufferers are common:

Athlete’s foot is also known as athlete’s foot. This is a fungus that causes itching, redness, and cracking between the toes.

Germs can enter through gaps in the skin and cause infection.

Fungus killing medication can usually treat athlete’s foot. These medications are available in pill or topical cream form.

Also read: 5 Stages of Diabetes Wounds According to the Progress of the Disease According to Doctors

Nails infected with fungus may become discolored (yellowish brown), thick, brittle, and may separate from the rest of the nail.

In some cases, your nails can be destroyed. A dark, damp and warm shoe environment can help this fungus grow.

Injuries to the nails can also cause fungal infections. Fungal nail infections are difficult to treat.

There are topical medications for nails, but they only help a small number of nail problems caused by fungus.

Calluses are hardened buildup of skin, usually on the soles of the feet.

Calluses are caused by uneven distribution of heavy loads. Calluses can also be caused by ill-fitting shoes or skin problems.

It is normal to have calluses on the feet of diabetics, so your doctor will decide whether your calluses are causing the problem.

It is recommended that if diabetics have calluses, take care of them well.

After showering, use a pumice stone to gently remove accumulated tissue. Do not try to cut the callus or remove it with sharp objects.

Also read: 3 Differences between Dry and Wet Diabetes according to Doctors

Foot corns are a buildup of hard skin near the bone area of ​​the foot or between the toes.

The cause could be due to pressure from shoes rubbing against the feet.

It is not recommended for diabetics to remove the hard skin with sharp objects.

Diabetics are prone to experiencing blisters on their feet due to friction between their feet and the inside surface of their shoes.

Diabetic foot problems usually occur because you wear uncomfortable shoes and don’t wear socks.

These blisters can cause infection. When experiencing blisters, it is important not to pop them.

You can use antibacterial cream and a clean bandage to protect the skin and prevent it from getting infected.

Also read: 5 Ways to Treat Wounds on the Feet of Diabetics

Bunions form when your big toe bends towards your second toe. It can form on one or both legs.

Often, the point where the big toe meets becomes red and calloused. This area may also bulge and become hard.

This disease may run in families, but is most often caused by wearing high-heeled shoes with narrow toes.

Cloth or foam padding in shoes can help protect bunions from irritation.

If a bunion causes severe pain or deformity, you may need surgery to realign your toes.

Dry skin cracks easily, allowing germs that cause infection to enter.

So, diabetics are advised to diligently use moisturizing soap and lotion to keep your skin moist and soft.

You can ask your doctor which one is best to use.

Also read: 6 Ways to Treat Diabetic Foot Wounds According to Experts

Ulcers are deep wounds that are visible on the surface of the skin. This condition can cause infection.

Diabetic foot ulcers can occur due to small scratches, wounds that take a long time to heal, or friction with uncomfortable shoes.

About 10 percent of diabetes sufferers experience this foot problem. It is important that you treat it as soon as you notice this problem appears.

Quoting information from Siloam Hospitals, this ulcer is a serious condition that needs to be treated immediately.

If the condition is severe, diabetic ulcer sufferers must undergo amputation to prevent further nerve damage.

Hammertoe is a bent toe due to muscle weakness.

Weakened muscles make the tendons in your toes shorter, causing your toes to curl under your feet.

Hammer toes can run in a family. It can also be caused by shoes that are too tight.

This shape of the toes can cause problems when walking and can easily become blistered, calloused and injured.

In severe cases, you may need surgery to straighten your toes.

Also read: 4 Ways to Prevent Diabetes Wounds on the Feet According to Experts

• Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails are also known as ingrown toenails. This problem is prone to causing foot infections in diabetics.

So, you need to cut your nails diligently to prevent ingrown toenails.

If you have a long-standing problem or if you have a nail infection, you may need a doctor’s care.

Surgery to remove part of the toenail can correct the problem.

Plantar warts look like calluses on the soles of the feet or heels. However, there is a small hole or small black spot in the middle.

Plantar warts are usually painful and can grow scattered or in clusters.

The cause is a virus that infects the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet.

If you’re not sure whether you have plantar warts or regular vessels, let your doctor decide.

Most diabetes sufferers can prevent serious foot problems by diligently taking care of their feet as a preventive measure.

Also read: Know the benefits of diabetes foot exercises and how to do them

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2023-12-17 01:00:00
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