Foot care

Nerve Damage or Neuropathy

• Uncontrolled diabetes can damage your nerves (legs and feet) and you might not feel heat, cold or pain. This lack of feeling is called diabetic neuropathy
• If you do not feel a cut or sore on your foot because of neuropathy, the cut could get worse and become infected

Poor Blood flow

• Diabetes also affects the flow of blood which prolongs the healing of a sore or cut
• Poor circulation (blood flow) can lead to foot infections. Diabetes causes blood vessels of the foot and leg to narrow and harden
• Poor blood flow in the arms and legs is called peripheral arterial disease

Skin Changes

• Skin dryness, cracking, and peeling can occur in the feet during diabetes
• Calluses can build up faster, and ulcers can develop on the heel or the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toes

Deformities

• Nerve damage from diabetes can lead to changes in the shape of your feet leading to deformities
• People with diabetes and pre-existing foot problems (such as hammer toes, overlapping toes, or bunions) are more prone to infections

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following problems:

The sooner you see your healthcare provider or podiatrist to identify a problem, the better your outcome will likely be. Remember that when it comes to foot care, you are a key member of the healthcare team.