Diabetic neuropathy can negatively affect your foot health when high blood sugar levels damage the nerves in your feet. Without proper care and monitoring, minor foot problems in patients with diabetes can quickly escalate into serious complications with long-term consequences.
At Clover Podiatry in Vancouver, Washington, our foot care team, led by Dr. Tek Fish, understands the specific challenges diabetics face in foot health. With the right know-how and preventative care, you can protect your feet and maintain your mobility.
How Diabetic Neuropathy Damages Your Vulnerable Feet
Diabetic neuropathy develops gradually as elevated blood glucose levels damage the small blood vessels that supply nutrients to nerves over time. The condition manifests in several distinct ways and can significantly impact foot health.
Reduced Ability to Feel Problems
Sensory neuropathy reduces the ability to feel things that warn of problems, such as pain, heat, cold, or pressure. Autonomic neuropathy can also impact the nerves that control automatic functions like sweating, resulting in excessively moist feet.
Increased Chance of Infection
Lack of feeling increases the likelihood of injuries from tight shoes, hot surfaces, or sharp objects. Reduced sensation means cuts, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed and can become infected. That problem is made worse by high blood sugar, which slows healing.
Early Warning Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems
Early detection of diabetic neuropathy symptoms is crucial to prevent dangerous complications from developing. The earliest symptoms may include:
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Unusual sensations. Tingling, burning, or numbness in your toes and feet is a significant indicator of nerve problems. You might experience sharp, shooting pains or feel like wearing an invisible sock.
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Lack of feeling. You might notice that you can't distinguish between rough and smooth surfaces with your feet, or you may step on sharp objects without feeling them. Water temperature becomes difficult to judge, and you could accidentally burn your feet while bathing.
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Physical changes. Your skin may become shiny and smooth or dry and prone to cracking. Calluses and corns may also develop due to changes in how you walk. Changes in foot structure often accompany diabetic neuropathy. Weakened muscles might alter the shape of your feet, creating new pressure points in unexpected places.
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Circulation problems. These issues often come with diabetic neuropathy, causing additional symptoms. Your feet may feel cold frequently, or they might swell without warning. Wounds may also heal slowly.
Daily Foot Care Essentials for Patients with Diabetes
Establishing a comprehensive daily foot care routine forms the foundation of diabetic foot health. This routine doesn't require special equipment or a significant time investment, but consistency is critical for preventing major foot issues.
Daily Inspection
Begin each day with a thorough foot inspection. Look for cuts, bruises, blisters, redness, swelling, or changes in skin color. Check between your toes for cracks, peeling skin, or signs of fungal infection. Pay particular attention to areas where shoes typically create pressure points.
Clean and Moisturize
Proper foot washing involves more than a quick rinse in the shower. Use warm—not hot—water and test the temperature with your elbow or a thermometer before wetting your feet. Wash gently with mild soap, focusing on areas between your toes. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, as moisture trapped in these areas can lead to infections you don't need.
Moisturizing helps prevent the dry, cracked skin that can provide entry points for bacteria. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to the tops and bottoms of your feet, but again avoid putting anything between your toes, where it can create excessive moisture. Choose products specifically formulated for diabetic skin, as these typically don't contain extra ingredients that may lead to irritation.
Choose the Right Footwear
Daily sock and shoe choices significantly impact your foot health. Choose socks made from moisture-wicking materials that fit properly without bunching or creating seams that press against the skin. Avoid socks with tight elastic bands that can restrict circulation. Always be sure to change your socks immediately if they become damp.
Find Professional Treatment Options in Vancouver
With injuries like small cuts healing slowly due to poor circulation common to diabetics, what begins as a minor issue may progress to a deep ulcer, bone infection, or even gangrene.
Modern podiatry offers numerous treatment approaches for managing diabetic neuropathy and its complications. Seek help from an experienced podiatrist sooner rather than later to keep your feet as healthy as possible. At Clover Podiatry, patients have access to both traditional therapies and cutting-edge treatments under the care of our Vancouver podiatrists, such as:
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Custom orthotics
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Personalized care plans
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Prescription medications
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Vascular assessments
