Foot problems caused by diabetes
Diabetes puts you at a much higher risk of developing foot problems. Being aware of these will help you look after your feet.
Diabetes can damage the nerves of your foot. Neuropathy is one of the long-term complications of diabetes
Neuropathy a long-term complication of diabetes
Neuropathy can lead to:
- Sensory neuropathy which is a loss of feeling in your foot, which means you may not notice an injury or wound to your foot.
- Motor neuropathy which is muscle weakness in your feet, which can change your foot shape, for instance lead to curled toes or a high arch. This may result in hard skin (callus) and ulcers on pressure points.
- Autonomic neuropathy which is reduced sweating, which causes dry, cracked skin and increases the risk of skin infections.
Reduced blood flow to your foot
Diabetes can cause “furring up” of the blood vessels (arteries) that carry blood to you foot. This is called peripheral arterial disease.
Possible problem due to peripheral arterial disease
- Peripheral arterial disease can be painless or it can cause pain in the calf or buttock when you’re walking which usually gets better when you rest.
- The reduced blood flow to your feet means blisters and wounds may not heal and they can get infected much more easily.
- Watch a video here to find out how to keep your feet healthy.
