Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes due to nerve damage and poor blood circulation.

What does nerve damage mean?

Over time, diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) that affects the feet and legs, and in rare cases the arms, abdomen and back. This nerve damage can cause sensations of tingling, burning and pain. In some cases, it can even result in a loss of sensation. About half of all people with diabetes suffer from some form of diabetic neuropathy. Loss of sensation in your feet it is a potentially dangerous condition because you may not feel pain if you suffer from a cut, blister, wound, or other problem. And nerve damage from diabetes can also lead to changes in the shape of the feet which can cause various pressure points that can result in blistering and abrasions.

What appear to be small problems can become serious if left untreated.

What does poor blood circulation mean?

Poor blood circulation happens when there is not enough blood flowing to a certain area of the body, for example the legs and feet. Not having enough blood flowing to your feet can make it harder for a sore or an infection to heal. In extreme cases, infection might lead to gangrene.

What causes foot ulcers?

A combination of nerve damage and poor blood circulation can result in ulcers that can worsen quickly and are difficult to treat. Ulcers are formed because of the outer layer of skin breaking down and exposing the layers underneath.

Anyone with diabetes can develop foot ulcers but the good news is that proper diabetes management and careful foot care can help prevent foot them.

Risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers

  • Blood sugar levels that are frequently higher than your target levels
  • Being older than 40 years
  • Having high blood pressure
  • Having high cholesterol
  • Poor quality shoes
  • Poor foot hygiene
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Eye disease resulting from diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

How to prevent foot problems.

  • Look at your feet daily, check the tops, sides, soles, heels, and the area between the toes. If you are unable to physically check your feet, use a mirror or ask someone to help.
  • Wash your feet with running water (do not soak) every day. Check the water temperature with your fingers or elbow to make sure it is not too hot.
  • Dry your feet thoroughly and be sure to dry the area between your toes well.
  • Use a cream or oil if the skin on your feet feel rough or dry. Do not use the cream between your toes.
  • Never use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or electric blanket on your feet.
  • Avoid walking barefoot. Protect your feet from heat and cold.
  • Antiseptic solutions can burn your skin. Never use antiseptic solutions on your feet without your doctor’s approval.
  • Never attempt to remove warts or other lesions on the foot. Do not use of chemical wart removers or razors. See your doctor or podiatrist.
  • Keep toenails adequately trimmed straight but not too short. Trim your toenails after washing your feet when the nails are soft.
  • Wear proper-fitting shoes and inspect the inside of your shoes every day for cuts or swellings that may cause pressure or irritation.
  • Wear clean, dry socks, or recommended diabetes socks.

Daily checks will allow you to detect early signs such as:

  • Leg burns, tingling, or aching.
  • Loss of sensation to heat, cold, or touch.
  • Changes in the color or shape of your feet.
  • Hair loss in the toes, legs, and lower legs.
  • Thickening and yellowing of the toenails.
  • Appearance of red spots, blisters, sores, ulcers, infected corn, or ingrown toenails.

If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Delay may result in serious health complications…

How to identify foot ulceration:

There aren’t always clear signs of a foot ulcer. Sometimes, you will not even see symptoms of an ulcer until the ulcer is infected. However, you may notice the following signs:

  • Drainage from the foot that may stain the socks or leak in your shoe, unusual swelling, irritation, redness, and odors from one or both feet
  • Black tissue surrounding the wound.

In these cases, it is important to consult your doctor immediately.

Remember it is easier to prevent than to treat an ulcer.

Keep monitoring your blood sugar daily and attend scheduled medical exams such as HbA1c, blood pressure, and cholesterol. It is important to maintain regular exercise, proper nutrition and get your feet checked at every health care visit.

Daily foot care can lower your chances of having diabetes foot problem.

https://www.healthline.com/health/ diabetes-foot-care#visiting-the-doctor

https://www.healthline.com/ health/diabetic-foot-pain-and-ulcers-causes-treatments

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ library/features/healthy-feet.html

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