Feet problems in diabetics are quite common, often because of nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation. Neuropathy causes loss of sensation in your feet making it almost impossible to feel pain or discomfort. Both of this condition are factors in detecting wounds on time and the healing process is often slow. Poor circulation in your feet reduces your ability to heal, making even the tiniest wounds high risk for infection.
Common Complications
- Diabetic ulcers are sores in the skin that if left untreated can cause infection all the way to the bone. Ulcers that become infected and will not heal are common and can be the catalyst for major complication in diabetics, such as loss of your foot, leg and even your life.
- If Neuropathy is present, you may experience loss of feeling or sensation in your feet and you will not be able to detect if your shoes are causing pressure and forming calluses or corns. This can lead to a diabetic ulcer if the skin breaks or cracks.
- Nail disorders. Ingrown toenails or nail infections.
- Hammertoes and bunions. Hammer toes are categorized by an abnormal bend in the middle joint of the toe. The main cause is nerve damage, muscle weakness and loss of tone in the feet. These deformities can cause ulcers if untreated.
- Charcot foot. A debilitating foot deformity caused by neuropathy resulting in broken bones that cause destruction to the soft tissue of the foot. Neuropathy masks pain from a fracture, ultimately the patient continues to walk on the broken bone thus making it worse. Complication from Charcot foot is so severe that surgery and amputation may necessary.
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