Diabetic patients often experience foot problems due to nerve damage and reduced blood flow. High blood sugar over time can affect the nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy, which makes it harder to feel pain, heat, or injuries in the feet. Small cuts, sores, or blisters may go unnoticed and untreated. Poor circulation, known as peripheral vascular disease, also affects people with diabetes and can slow healing, making the feet more prone to infections. Other diabetic foot problems include fungal infections like athlete's foot and thickened or discolored toenails. Dry or cracked skin, calluses, corns, and foot ulcers may develop. Deformities such as bunions and hammertoes, along with issues like blisters and ingrown toenails, may also occur. A chiropodist can assess circulation, check for nerve damage, and help manage foot conditions with regular care. Chiropodists are also trained to remove thickened skin, treat nail issues, and provide guidance on footwear to reduce pressure and friction. If you have diabetes and are experiencing foot problems, it is suggested that you are under the care of a chiropodist who can help you to manage this serious condition.
Diabetes can cause serious problems in the lower limbs if proper preventive measures are not taken and diabetic wound care is not performed. If you would like to learn more about caring for diabetic feet, please consult with Cynthia Chan, B.Sc., D.Ch from Healthy Advantage Foot & Orthotic Clinic. Our practitioner can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Diabetes can lead to a host of foot and ankle complications, including:
- Poor circulation
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
- Infection
- Corns and calluses
- Dry, cracked skin
- Nail disorders
- Hammertoes
- Bunions
- Charcot foot
If you have diabetes, you must be vigilant of any changes in your foot health. This is best done through daily foot inspections. Using a mirror to help you if necessary, look for any:
- Cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds
- Bruising or discoloration
- Swelling
- Rash
- Foul odor
- Nail changes
- Hair loss
- Warmth and inflammation
- Deformities
- Lower limb pain
- Strange sensations (numbness, tingling, burning, pins, and needles)
If you detect anything unusual, seek the care of a chiropodist as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.