Connect With Our Team
Why Diabetics Should Never Ignore Foot Problems
A small blister, cut, sore, or irritated area may not seem serious at first. For someone living with diabetes, however, even a minor foot problem can become more difficult to manage if it is not noticed and treated early.
Diabetes can affect the feet in several ways. Changes in circulation may slow the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. Nerve damage can reduce sensation, making it harder to feel pain, pressure, heat, or an injury. When these issues happen together, a wound may continue to worsen before the person realizes there is a problem.
At Neighborhood Foot and Ankle in Dallas, Dr. Jonathan Pajouh and Dr. Veena Devaraju provide preventive diabetic foot care for patients throughout Dallas and nearby communities such as Richardson. Regular evaluations can help identify changes early and reduce the risk of more serious complications.
Why Can Small Foot Problems Become More Serious With Diabetes?
One of the biggest concerns for people with diabetes is peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that commonly affects the feet. Neuropathy may cause burning, tingling, numbness, sharp pain, or unusual sensitivity. In some cases, a person may lose enough sensation that a blister, cut, or pressure spot goes unnoticed.
For example, a shoe may rub against the same area of the foot throughout the day. Someone with normal sensation would likely feel the discomfort and adjust the shoe. A patient with reduced sensation may continue walking without realizing the skin is becoming irritated or beginning to break down.
Diabetes may also affect circulation in the lower legs and feet. When blood flow is reduced, the body may have more difficulty healing even a small wound. This can increase the risk of infection and make recovery take longer.
Other foot problems can also create added pressure or skin damage, including:
• Corns and calluses
• Ingrown or thickened toenails
• Dry, cracked skin
• Bunions or hammertoes
• Shoes that do not fit properly
“Many diabetic foot problems begin with something that looks minor,” Dr. Devaraju explains. “The concern is that reduced sensation can hide the warning signs, so patients may not realize how much pressure or skin damage has developed.”
Patients should not wait for pain before having a foot problem evaluated. Pain is not always a reliable warning sign when nerve sensation has changed. Redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, odor, discoloration, or an area that is not healing should be checked promptly.
Daily foot inspections can help patients notice concerns earlier. Check the tops, bottoms, heels, sides, and spaces between the toes. A mirror can make it easier to see the bottom of the foot, or a family member can help if bending or vision makes the inspection difficult.
How Do Preventive Diabetic Foot Exams Protect Your Feet?
A diabetic foot exam is designed to identify risks before they lead to a more serious wound or infection. These appointments are not only for patients who already have a sore. Preventive care is important even when the feet appear healthy and there is no current pain.
During an exam, a podiatrist may evaluate:
• Skin changes and irritation
• Circulation and nerve sensation
• Toenail health and possible infection
• Calluses, pressure points, and shoe fit
• Foot structure and areas of repeated rubbing
Foot deformities and pressure points may be managed with orthotics, padding, or footwear changes. Eligible patients may also qualify for Medicare-covered diabetic shoes and inserts through Neighborhood Foot and Ankle.
Professional nail and callus care can help reduce accidental skin damage. At home, patients should inspect their feet daily, keep them clean and dry, wear properly fitting shoes, avoid walking barefoot, and manage blood sugar as directed.
Protect Your Feet Before a Small Problem Grows
Ignoring a diabetic foot concern can allow a small area of irritation to become a deeper wound, infection, or mobility problem. Early care is often simpler than treating a concern after it has progressed.
If you notice a blister, cut, sore, nail problem, swelling, redness, drainage, or a change in sensation, schedule an evaluation rather than waiting to see whether it improves on its own. Preventive exams can also help identify pressure areas and circulation or nerve changes before symptoms become obvious.
Schedule a Diabetic Foot Evaluation with Neighborhood Foot and Ankle
Published by Neighborhood Foot and Ankle | Dr. Pajouh and Dr. Devaraju | Serving Dallas and surrounding DFW | 972-726-6464
Educational only. Not medical advice.