Diabetic Feet Specialist
in Los Angeles
Diabetes can cause changes in the feet, including nerve damage, poor circulation, and loss of sensation. These changes can make it difficult to care for your feet and make them more susceptible to injury. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Elhiani today to help prevent serious foot problems.
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How does diabetes affect my feet?
Diabetes can result in two issues that could harm your feet:
- Diabetic neuropathy. Your nerves might become damaged by uncontrolled diabetes. Your legs and feet may not feel heat, cold, or discomfort if you have damaged nerves there. If you do not feel a cut or pain in your foot due to neuropathy, the wound could worsen and become infected. This loss of feeling is known as “sensory diabetic neuropathy.” Your foot’s muscles may not function properly because the nerves that supply them with signals are damaged. This could lead to improper foot alignment and excessive pressure on one area of the foot.
- Peripheral vascular disease. Blood flow is impacted by diabetes as well. A cut or sore heals more slowly if there is poor blood flow. Suppose you have peripheral vascular disease, which causes the inadequate blood flow in the arms and legs. In that case, you risk getting ulcers or gangrene if you have an infection that won’t cure (tissue death due to a lack of blood).
Diabetes can also increase your risk of developing other foot problems, such as:
- Athlete’s foot. A fungus called athlete’s foot causes cracking, redness, and itching. Your skin’s cracks are a potential entry point for germs that can infect you.
- Fungal infection of nails. Fungus infection can cause your nails to grow thick, brittle, opaque, yellowish-brown, or separate from the rest of your nails. Your nail may break under some circumstances.
- Calluses. A callus is a buildup of hard skin that typically develops on the bottom of the foot. Unbalanced weight distribution results in calluses. Calluses can also result from ill-fitting footwear or a skin condition.
- Corns. Corn is a thickening of hard skin between the toes or close to the toe’s bony area. Shoes pressing against your toes or producing friction between your toes may result in corns.
- Blisters. Blisters can develop when your shoes press the same area of your foot repeatedly. Blisters that develop infected can be brought on by wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or without socks.
- Bunions. When your big toe bends toward your second toe, a bunion develops. The area where your big toe connects to your foot frequently develops redness and calluses.
- Diabetic ulcers. A foot ulcer is a deep sore or skin rupture. They may acquire an infection. Foot ulcers can develop from tiny scratches, cuts that take a long time to heal, or rubbing in poorly fitting shoes.
- Hammertoes. A bent toe caused by a weak muscle is known as a hammertoe. Your toe curls under your foot due to the weaker muscle shortening the tendons in your toe.
- Ingrown toenails. The nail’s edges dig into your flesh, resulting in an ingrown toenail. They put pressure and discomfort around the margins of the nails. The edge of the nail may nick your skin, resulting in inflammation, infection, discomfort, edema, and discharge.
- Plantar warts. Plantar warts resemble calluses on the heel or the foot’s ball. They could seem to have little black patches or pinholes in the middle. Warts can develop alone or in groups and are typically uncomfortable.
What are common foot problems of diabetic neuropathy?
There are several symptoms and common foot problems associated with diabetic neuropathy. Some more common symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain in the feet, and weakness in the affected area. Other symptoms can include weakness, loss of balance, and difficulty walking.
Common foot problems associated with diabetic neuropathy include ulcers, infections, Charcot foot, and amputations. It is important for people with diabetes to monitor their feet carefully and see a podiatrist or if they develop any problems. Many complications associated with diabetic neuropathy can be prevented or managed with proper treatment.
What are some tips to take care of diabetic feet?
Some tips to prevent and take care of diabetic feet are:
- Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them well.
- Check your feet daily for cuts, cracks, blisters, sores, redness, or swelling.
- Trim your nails regularly and file down any sharp edges.
- Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
- Avoid walking barefoot.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking can decrease blood flow to your feet and increase the risk of complications from diabetes.
- Manage your diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels under control to help prevent diabetic foot problems.
- See your podiatrist regularly for foot exams.
Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to many health complications, including foot problems.
If you have diabetes, taking care of your feet and ankles is essential. This means following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and controlling your blood sugar levels.
It’s also essential to see a doctor if you have any concerns about your feet or ankles. Eazy Foot & Ankle offers specialized care for people with diabetes and other foot-related issues. Dr. Albert Elhiani, an experienced podiatrist, can help you prevent and treat any problems that may occur.
Schedule an appointment with Eazy Foot & Ankle today!