Foot Complication for Diabetics

What is diabetic foot?

Diabetic foot is a broad term used to describe foot problems that are more common in people with diabetes. Typically, diabetic foot problems occur over time due to high blood sugar levels, which damage the nerves and blood vessels in the feet.

Although diabetic foot problems can be highly dangerous if left untreated, most can be managed and treated with either over-the-counter remedies or prescribed medications.

There are also several preventative measures that you can take to reduce your risk of developing diabetic foot conditions.

What are the most common diabetic foot conditions?

As mentioned briefly above, anyone can experience a foot problem such as Athlete’s foot or a fungal nail infection. However, the difference is, if you are diabetic, you are much more at risk of developing serious complications if these conditions are left untreated.

The most commonly diagnosed diabetic foot conditions are:

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a type of fungus that most commonly affects the skin in between your toes. Causing itching, redness and sometimes cracking, Athlete’s foot can be easily treated using over-the-counter anti-fungal medication.

Fungal nail infection

If your toenails become infected by a fungus, they are likely to turn yellow, thicken or become brittle. You may also notice a bad odour, sometimes referred to as diabetes stinky feet.

In people with diabetes, fungal nail infections can be hard to treat so you should visit your doctor for a bespoke treatment plan.

Calluses and corns

Calluses and corns can affect the feet and hands and manifest themselves as hard, thick skin. A diabetic callus can be caused by ill-fitting footwear or by an uneven distribution of weight. A diabetic corn on foot often occurs when your shoes rub against your feet and cause friction.

There are several home remedies for corns and calluses, but you should never try to cut these off yourself.

Blisters

Blisters most commonly occur when your shoes repetitively rub against the same spot on your feet. You should not pop blisters if you are diabetic as this can lead to an infection.

Bunions

Bunions occur when your big toe bends into your second toe. Bunions can be very painful and can form on one or both of your feet.

Although bunions can run in a family, most are caused by wearing high-heeled shoes that put pressure on your big toe.

Diabetic ulcers

One of the more serious diabetic foot problems, foot ulcers can easily become infected if left untreated. A foot ulcer can occur from a minor scrape or cut and then develop into a deep sore or break in the skin.

It is estimated that up to 10% of people with diabetes suffer from foot ulcers.

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails happen when the edges of the toenails start to grow into the skin. This can cause pressure and pain in the nail and foot.

Ingrown toenails are often caused by ill-fitting footwear, but they can also occur if you do not trim your toenails regularly. In diabetics, ingrown toenails are more at risk of becoming infected.

Charcot foot

Charcot foot is a serious foot complication that can result in foot ulcers, and even amputation. This diabetic foot condition occurs when you lose the sense of feeling in your feet and cannot notice injuries such as broken bones because of this.

Due to a lack of sensation, you can continue to walk on your affected foot without feeling any pain. This can cause the bones in your foot to change shape and become deformed.

Dry skin on feet

Diabetes and dry skin on feet often go hand in hand, so it is important that you take steps to keep your feet hydrated and moisturised. If left untreated, dry skin can crack, which allows germs and bacteria to enter. This can lead to an infection.

Plantar warts

Plantar warts are often confused with calluses as they are similar in appearance. Typically found on the ball of the foot or on the heel, plantar warts are painful and can grow individually or in clusters.

How to care for and prevent diabetic foot

To prevent diabetic foot problems, follow the below diabetic footcare practices and diabetic foot care at home techniques:

Take care of your overall health

As a diabetic, you need to be vigilant of your overall health as you are more prone to certain conditions. Make sure that you follow your doctor’s advice on nutrition, exercise and medication and keep your blood sugar levels within the healthy range.

Wash your feet daily

Make sure that you wash your feet everyday in warm water and that you use a gentle soap or diabetic foot wash. Always check the temperature of the water using your elbow as diabetes can affect the sensation in your feet and hands.

If you suffer from diabetes and smelly feet, you may want to wash your feet more than once per day.

Check your feet daily

Once you have washed your feet, you should then check them over. Look for sores, blisters, redness, calluses, corns and anything else that looks problematic.

If you suffer from bad circulation, it is even more vital to check your feet each day as you are more prone to complications.

Apply a foot cream or lotion

Apply a foot cream after washing to keep the skin on your feet in optimum condition. Look for a foot cream that contains hydrating and restorative ingredients like urea and salicylic acid, such as CCS Foot Care Cream.

Avoid putting foot lotion between your toes as this can make diabetic foot conditions worse.

Use a pumice stone or foot file

If you have noticed patches of dry, thick or hard skin developing on your feet, use a pumice stone or foot file to gently file these away. Pumice stones and foot files should be used after showering or bathing as this is when the skin on your feet is at its softest.

Aim to remove the top layer of skin only, as otherwise, you risk making the skin bleed which can cause an infection.

Trim your toenails regularly

You should trim your toenails once a week to avoid diabetic foot complaints such as ingrown toenails. Always cut straight across the nail and then trim the sides. Smooth away any rough edges with a nail file.

Avoid walking barefoot or in open-toed shoes

Walking barefoot, in open-toed shoes, or ill-fitting footwear can make you more susceptible to common diabetic foot problems such as corns and calluses, Athlete’s foot and dry skin.

Therefore, you should make sure that wear well-fitting footwear that offers the support your feet need.

Keep the blood flowing to your feet

Circulation issues are common in diabetics, so you need to ensure that you are keeping the blood flowing to your feet. You can do this by keeping your feet elevated when sitting down, wiggling your toes and rotating your ankles several times a day, and avoiding crossing your legs for long periods.

Stop smoking

Smoking is bad for your circulation and for your skin. It can also make you more prone to diabetic feet problems. If you are struggling to give up smoking, talk to your doctor about the different treatment options available to you.

Go for regular check-ups

One of the most important things you need to do for diabetic foot health is schedule regular check-ups with your doctor. Although you may be able to spot some issues yourself, your doctor should carry out a thorough examination of your feet at least once a year.