Numerous foot complications are associated with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics are particularly susceptible to foot problems, and even seemingly minor foot problems can progress to serious health concerns. Most diabetic-related foot problems are caused by a lack of foot sensation, so a diabetic needs to be especially vigilant about his feet to ensure that any problems are immediately addressed.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a diabetes foot complication. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health, the first symptom of diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage may be numbness, tingling or pain in the feet. The ADA states that although it can hurt, diabetic nerve damage in the extremities, especially the feet, can reduce a person's ability to feel sensations, such as pain, heat and cold. The lack of tactile and temperature feedback can predispose a diabetic to foot wounds and injuries. A diabetic could have a serious foot wound and not realize it until the skin breaks down and an infection develops. The ADA adds that diabetic nerve damage can alter the shape of the feet and toes, and that a diabetic may benefit from custom-made shoes, instead of cramming his deformed feet into conventional footwear that's already too narrow for most healthy feet.
Ulcers
Ulcers are a common foot complication associated with diabetes. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that diabetic ulcers are the principle cause of foot injuries leading to lower extremity amputation, and that common risk factors for foot ulcers among diabetics include diabetic neuropathy, structural foot deformities and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. According to the ADA, most diabetic foot ulcers occur on the ball of the foot or on the underside of the base of the big toe, and ulcers on the sides of the foot are often caused by footwear that's too narrow. While not every ulcer may be painful, all ulcers should receive the attention of a physician as quickly as possible, as failing to manage the ulcer can lead to infection and, in severe cases, the loss of a limb. It's important for diabetics to avoid walking on an ulcer, as this can cause the ulcer to enlarge and will drive the infection farther into the foot.
Poor Circulation
Poor circulation is a foot complication associated with diabetes. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, poor foot circulation decreases a diabetic's ability to heal foot wounds, and even the smallest cut may be unable to resist infection and heal effectively. The ADA states that diabetes causes hardening and narrowing of the foot and leg blood vessels, and that while the disease is progressive, some factors that regulate circulation or blood flow can be controlled or managed, including tobacco consumption, blood pressure and lipid levels. Smoking, in particular, accelerates arterial hardening. Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is beneficial for poor circulation, as it stimulates blood flow in the lower extremities. Diabetics without open sores and with physician approval--and with the appropriate footwear--should consider participating in regular aerobic exercise to minimize diabetes-related foot complications.
