Living with diabetes affects far more than just your blood sugar—it also requires careful attention to foot health. What may begin as a minor irritation can quickly progress into a serious complication without the right preventative steps in place.
At Lake Erie Podiatry, we specialize in diabetic foot care that helps patients in Erie, PA, stay one step ahead of complications. Led by Dr. Michael Ruiz, our team offers thorough exams, expert wound care, and tailored education to keep your feet safe and functional. If you're managing diabetes and want to protect your mobility and well-being, schedule your foot evaluation today.
Below, we’ll explore the most common foot issues faced by people with diabetes and the best ways to prevent them.
What Causes Foot Problems in People With Diabetes?
Diabetes-related foot complications typically result from:
- High Blood Sugar Levels: Elevated blood sugar damages nerves (diabetic neuropathy) and small blood vessels in the feet, leading to reduced sensation and healing difficulties.
- Poor Blood Flow: Diabetes can cause blood vessel damage, reducing blood flow to your feet and slowing down the healing process.
- Immune System Challenges: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune response, increasing the risk of infections.
Common risk factors for diabetes-related foot complications include:
- Poorly controlled blood sugar levels
- History of diabetes-related kidney diseases
- Smoking or high blood pressure
- Wearing improperly fitted shoes or tight socks
5 Common Foot Problems Related to Diabetes
1. Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels, leading to numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the feet. This nerve damage makes it difficult for people with diabetes to feel pain or discomfort, increasing the risk of unnoticed foot injuries.
2. Poor Circulation (Peripheral Artery Disease)
Poor blood flow due to diabetes restricts the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching your feet. Symptoms include cold feet, slow-healing wounds, and increased risk of infection. Reduced blood flow can also lead to tissue death and serious complications if left untreated.
3. Foot Ulcers
A diabetic foot ulcer on the toe or elsewhere on the foot can result from nerve damage, poor circulation, or too much pressure from shoes or walking barefoot. Ulcers can become infected quickly, leading to serious complications if not treated promptly.
4. Foot Infections
High blood sugar weakens your immune system, making your feet more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or other diabetic foot infections. Infections require immediate attention to prevent severe outcomes.
5. Charcot Foot
Charcot foot is a severe diabetes-related foot condition where weakened bones fracture easily, causing foot deformities and instability. Early symptoms include redness, swelling, and warmth in the foot, even without feeling severe pain due to neuropathy.
Understanding the Risk of Amputations
Untreated diabetic foot problems can escalate quickly. Infections, ulcers, and poor circulation increase the risk of tissue death, leading to the possibility of amputation. However, with proactive diabetes care, regular foot exams, and early treatment, most amputations can be prevented.
Preventative Care Tips for Healthy Feet
Simple, proactive measures significantly reduce your risk of diabetes-related foot complications:
- Check Your Feet Daily: Inspect your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if necessary.
- Practice Proper Hygiene: Wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, and dry them thoroughly, particularly between your toes, to prevent fungal infection.
- Wear Shoes and Socks Properly: Never walk barefoot—even indoors. Always wear shoes to protect against injuries. Choose comfortable, therapeutic shoes that fit properly, avoiding high heels, narrow toes, and tight socks. Opt for breathable, moisture-wicking socks and wear warm socks in cold weather.
- Maintain Skin Care: Apply lotion to prevent dry, cracked skin, but avoid applying it between the toes. Keep your toenails straight, trimming carefully and filing any sharp edges gently to prevent ingrown toenails.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Protect your feet from hot pavement and avoid heating pads, which can cause unnoticed burns due to reduced sensation.
- Control Your Diabetes: Keep blood glucose levels in check to minimize nerve and blood vessel damage. Regularly monitor your blood sugar, maintain healthy blood pressure, and manage diabetes-related digestive and kidney diseases through regular medical visits.
The Importance of Regular Podiatric Checkups in Erie, PA
Regular professional foot exams are crucial for managing diabetes. At Lake Erie Podiatry, Dr. Ruiz provides thorough foot exams designed to identify diabetic foot problems early, offering timely interventions that significantly reduce serious complications.
Routine podiatric visits include:
- Comprehensive foot exams to assess nerve health, circulation, and skin integrity.
- Immediate treatment of minor issues like calluses, corns, and ingrown toenails.
- Early detection and management of developing ulcers or infections.
- Education and guidance on self-care and footwear selection to support your daily routine.
How Lake Erie Podiatry Can Help
At Lake Erie Podiatry, Dr. Michael Ruiz specializes in comprehensive diabetic foot care, providing personalized treatment to manage diabetes-related foot conditions effectively. Our services include:
- Regular foot screenings to detect diabetic neuropathy and circulatory problems early.
- Expert care for diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and wound healing.
- Custom orthotics to reduce pressure and support proper foot alignment.
- Patient education for ongoing diabetic foot care and prevention strategies.
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Ruiz is committed to helping Erie residents maintain healthy, functional feet through proactive diabetes foot care.
Step Into Better Foot Health With Lake Erie Podiatry
Proactive foot care and regular visits to a trusted foot specialist significantly reduce the risk of serious diabetic foot complications. Lake Erie Podiatry is dedicated to helping you stay mobile, comfortable, and healthy through skilled, compassionate care.
To schedule your diabetic foot exam with Dr. Ruiz, visit us online or call Lake Erie Podiatry at (814) 833-3668 today. Let us help you protect your feet and overall health for years to come.
