Diabetes Feet Symptoms

Diabetes affects various parts of the body, but many do not realize how it impacts the feet. People with diabetes often experience diabetic foot ulcers. Untreated wounds become infected and develop into ulcers that could result in amputation and gangrene.

Diabetics who are aware of diabetes foot symptoms can catch problems early on- before they develop into bigger issues. This article will review the diabetic foot ulcer symptoms to be aware of.

What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer starts as a wound or condition. Diabetics may encounter issues like blisters, corns, cuts, scrapes, Athlete’s foot, or ingrown toenails. However, many diabetics experience nerve damage and poor circulation making it difficult to feel these wounds.

If left unattended, the wounds can develop into infected ulcers. Without proper treatment, gangrene may occur, and the foot may require amputation.

What are the Signs of Diabetic Foot Problems?

The first sign of a complication is a wound on the foot. Diabetics should inspect their feet daily to ensure there are no blisters, corns, scrapes, or ingrown toenails. If an issue is detected, it should be treated before it develops into an infection.

Corns should be soaked in warm water to accelerate removal. Blisters, cuts, and scrapes should be padded to prevent further irritation. An ingrown toenail and Athlete’s Foot may require special treatment.

Knowing When a Wound Develops Into an Ulcer

If wounds are left unattended, they may develop into an ulcer. However, it’s not too late to do something. You can still treat the ulcer before it turns into a bigger problem.

Common diabetic foot disease symptoms include:

Knowing When a Wound Develops Into an Ulcer

If wounds are left unattended, they may develop into an ulcer. However, it’s not too late to do something. You can still treat the ulcer before it turns into a bigger problem.

Common diabetic foot disease symptoms include:

• Swelling: Your body triggers inflammation to protect it from bacteria and viruses. Swelling may be your body’s natural response to an infection.
• Pain and Irritation: You may not feel a wound in its early stages due to circulatory and nerve issues, but you may experience pain and irritation as the wound worsens.
• Redness: Redness typically accompanies swelling.
• Smelly discharge: When the infection worsens, it may leak pus into your socks. The discharge may emit a foul odor.
• Black tissue around the ulcer: Black tissue may form due to cell death caused by poor circulation.
• Numbness: Numbness is not necessarily among the type 2 diabetes feet symptoms. However, it indicates you may be prone to diabetic foot ulcers.
• Fever and chills: You may develop fever and chills as your body attempts to fight the infection.
• Firmness around the wound: Diabetics may experience a callus around the wound site due to increased pressure on the area.
• Increased Foot Temperature: Increased foot temperature can indicate swelling that can be a sign of a wound or a foot ulcer. Modern devices allow you to monitor foot temperature so you can address ulcers in their early stages.
• Diabetic Foot Symptoms Pictures: You may look at diabetic foot symptoms pictures to understand what wounds and ulcers look like. If the pictures look familiar, address symptoms early on.

Know the Signs of Diabetic Neuropathy

Patients should also look out for signs of diabetic neuropathy. This condition indicates that you may have reduced feeling in your foot and may be prone to foot ulcers.

There are various types of diabetic neuropathy, and each has unique symptoms. Here are some you may be experiencing.

Peripheral Neuropathy

This most common type of neuropathy affects the legs and feet before traveling into the arms and hands. Common symptoms include:

• Numbness, tingling, and burning sensations
• Sharp pains and cramps
• Muscle weakness
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Foot problems including ulcers, sprains, and fractures

Proximal Neuropathy

Proximal neuropathy affects the hips, buttocks, thighs, and legs. It can also affect the abdomen and chest. It typically starts on one side of the body but may spread to the other side.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the buttocks, hip, or thigh
• Weak or shrinking thigh muscles
• Difficulty getting up from a sitting position
• Pain in the chest or abdomen

Mononeuropathy

Mononeuropathy refers to damage to a specific nerve, typically located in the face, torso, arm, or leg. Symptoms include:

• Vision issues
• Paralysis on one side of the face
• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
• Pain in the foot or shin
• Weakness in the hand that can impact the grip
• Difficulty lifting the foot
• Pain in the front of the thigh

Autonomic neuropathy may also occur, but it rarely impacts the feet or legs. Rather, it affects the autonomic nervous system including the bladder, heart, sweat glands, eye, digestive system, and sex organs.

FeetSee Helps with Early Detection of Diabetic Foot Pain Symptoms

Various practices can detect wounds and diabetic foot ulcers before they develop into bigger problems, but temperature monitoring is among the most effective. It can reveal early signs of wounds, ulcers, and a lack of blood circulation.

Feetsee offers a convenient foot monitoring system that ensures optimal health. Contact us to learn more about our unique technology.