A variety of foot symptoms are associated with diabetes mellitus, a disorder where a person suffers from abnormally elevated levels of blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association points out ordinary problems such as a cut or callus can quickly cause serious complications. A diabetic must carefully monitor his feet to avoid further complications such as foot ulcers and lower extremity amputation. According to American Family Physician, diabetic ulcers are the most frequent reason for lower extremity amputations.
Neuropathy
Diabetics have excess sugar in their blood; this excess amount damages capillaries, or tiny blood cells, in the lower extremities. The damage causes nerve damage to occur, also known as neuropathy, explains MayoClinic.com. The American Academy of Family Physicians lists neuropathy and associated symptoms as one of the most common causes of complications affecting the lower extremities in diabetics. The clinic lists tingling, numbness, burning and pain as symptoms of neuropathy. Decreased sweating often occurs with neuropathy causing the foot to become dry and skin to crack.
The condition is progressive. Neuropathy initially begins at the tip of the toes and fingers and gradually spreads upwards. Diabetics may lose all sensation to their extremities if neuropathy remains untreated. A person may not become aware of developing foot injuries or ulcers due to the decreased sensation levels in the foot.
Bone Deformity
Diabetes leaves one more susceptible to foot bone deformity and disease. Symptoms of foot deformity are associated with neuropathy. The nerve supply to the bones and joints of the foot is not normal, according to Mercy Medical Center. Small areas of stress build up on a diabetic's foot, similitude to an athlete's stress fracture. Cracks in the bone or stress points are not felt by the diabetic due to loss of sensation. The diabetic continues to walk on the foot causing deformity to eventually occur. A diabetic walking on a deformed foot will place additional pressure on certain points of the foot causing a possible ulcer to develop.
Decreased Circulation
Decreased blood circulation is a common symptom of diabetes. The disease causes blood vessels to narrow and harden. The decreased blood flow decreases the foots ability to fight infection and lengthens healing time, according to the American Diabetes Association. Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol levels and quitting smoking are recommended by the association to increase circulation. Poor circulation causes a condition called intermittent claudication. A person may feel pain when walking, especially up an incline or on a hard surface. Resting momentarily will stop the pain. Exercise is recommended to increase blood circulation. Diabetic should invest in well fitting shoes if participating in an exercise program to prevent further foot injury.
