The human foot contains 26 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s a complex piece of the body but often doesn’t get the attention it deserves until you start experiencing foot pain.
Foot pain is often a symptom or complication caused by diabetes. But how can you tell if you have diabetic foot pain symptoms or another type of issue? Read more and find out.
Diabetic Foot Problems
There are two major foot problems associated with diabetes – diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Neuropathy is a condition caused by nerve damage from diabetes. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in the feet may include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning
- Pain
- Increased sensitivity
Peripheral vascular disease is a circulation issue that can cause the skin on a person’s foot to change (temperature, color, texture, etc.). Symptoms of peripheral vascular disease include:
- Discoloration of the foot
- Pain
- Numbness/tingling
- Slow-healing wounds
- Changes to toenails.
There are other foot problems with diabetes that can make it hard to stand or walk without pain. Other diabetic foot problems like fungal infection, calluses, blisters, and bunions can cause severe pain.
If you are experiencing foot pain that does not match the descriptions above, it is possible you may have a different foot condition such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or tendonitis. Talk to your doctor to diagnose and treat the problem. You can also see a podiatrist to get an opinion from a specialist.
Diabetic Foot Care
About 50% of people with diabetes experience nerve damage and/or pain. If you are one of those people, it is especially important to take care of your feet. Always follow your doctor’s advice to keep your blood sugar level within range. Ask your doctor for recommendations regarding exercise and diet.
You can also keep your feet healthy by keeping them clean and dry at all times. Regularly check your feet for sores, cuts, and calluses. Due to limited circulation, you may not notice these symptoms at first, but it’s important to care for any wounds.
You should also consider investing in specific shoes designed for people with diabetes. For example, check out these womens diabetic shoes. Wearing the right shoes can help prevent foot pain and other diabetic foot problems.
Above all, listen to your doctor and/or podiatrist to care for your feet and prevent foot pain from diabetes.
Reduce Foot Pain Symptoms
If you are experiencing foot pain symptoms, it could be related to diabetes. Diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease which can both lead to foot pain in addition to other symptoms.
Caring for your feet by keeping them clean and by wearing the right shoes can help you prevent or manage foot pain. Talk to a doctor if you have questions about diabetic foot care or any of your symptoms.
Looking for more health and wellness tips? Check out the health section of the blog today!
Talk to a doctor if you have questions about diabetic foot care or any of your symptoms.
Looking for more health and wellness tips? Check out the health section of the blog today!
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