Too much glucose in the blood results in diabetes. And diabetes leads to many complications, including foot problems.
Effect of Diabetes on feet:
Diabetic Neuropathy: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves. If the nerves of legs & feet are damaged, then patient may face loss of heat, cold& pain sensations. This lack of feeling is called "sensory diabetic neuropathy." The muscles to the foot may not work properly because the nerves to the muscles are damaged. This can cause mal alignment in the feet.
2. Peripheral vascular disease: Diabetes also affects the flow of blood. Without good blood flow, it takes longer for a sore or cut to heal. Poor blood flow in the arms and legs is called "peripheral vascular disease." There is a risk of developing “Gangrene” if the blood flow is improper towards the limbs.
Common foot problems with Diabetes:
For people with diabetes, common foot problems can lead to infection and serious complications, such as amputation.
Athlete’s foot: Athlete's foot is a fungus that causes itching, redness, and cracking. Germs can enter through the cracks in your skin and cause an infection.
Nail fungal infection: Nails that are infected with a fungus may become discoloured (yellowish-brown or opaque), thick, and brittle and may separate from the rest of your nail. An injury to your nail can also lead to a fungal infection.
Calluses: A callus is a build-up of hard skin, usually on the underside of the foot. Calluses are caused by an uneven distribution of weight. Calluses also can be caused by poorly fitting shoes or by a skin problem.
Corns: A corn is a build-up of hard skin near a bony area of a toe or between toes. Corns may happen because of pressure from shoes that rub against your toes or cause friction between your toes. Be sure to take care of them properly. Do not use over-the-counter remedies to dissolve corns. DONOT try to cut the corn or remove it with a sharp object.
Blisters: Blisters can form when your shoes rub the same spot on your foot. Wearing shoes that do not fit properly or wearing shoes without socks can cause blisters, which can become infected.
Bunions: A bunion forms when your big toe bends toward your second toe. Often, the spot where your big toe joins your foot becomes red and callused. This area also may stick out and become hard. Bunions can form on one or both feet. They may run in the family, but most often they're caused by wearing high-heeled shoes with narrow toes.
Dry Skin: Dry skin can crack, which can allow germs to enter. Use moisturizing soaps and lotions to keep your skin moist and soft.
Diabetic Ulcers: A foot ulcer is a break in the skin or a deep sore. They can become infected. Foot ulcers can happen from minor scrapes, cuts that heal slowly, or from the rubbing of shoes that do not fit well. It's important to treat them as soon as you notice them.
Hammer toes: A hammertoe is a toe that is bent because of a weakened muscle. The weakened muscle makes the tendons in your toe shorter, causing your toe to curl under your foot. Hammertoes can run in families. They can also be caused by shoes that are too short.
Ingrown toenails: Ingrown toenails happen when the edges of the nail grow into your skin. They cause pressure and pain along the nail edges. The edge of the nail may cut into your skin, causing redness, swelling, pain, drainage, and infection.
Plantar warts: Plantar warts look like calluses on the ball of the foot or on the heel. They may appear to have small pinholes or tiny black spots in the center. The warts are usually painful and may grow singly or in clusters. Plantar warts are caused by a virus that infects the outer layer of skin on the soles of the feet.
Diabetic Foot Care:·
Take care of diabetes. Consult the doctor on a regular basis.