Diabetes and Purple Feet: Possible Causes and Treatments

Purple feet are no laughing matter. They are typically a symptom of a serious condition and are often linked to diabetes. If your feet look purple, it may be a sign to seek out medical attention before the issue gets worse.

Diabetes and Purple Feet: What’s the Relationship?

So why do diabetics’ feet turn purple? Here are some possible underlying causes.

• Poor Blood Circulation: Diabetics often experience limited blood flow which can make extremities look blue or purple.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: This type of nerve damage often occurs in diabetics and can lead to discoloration and a loss of sensation.
• Infections: People with diabetes are prone to foot conditions that may develop into infections if not detected early on. Tissues around the infection can die due to poor circulation and take on a purplish tinge.
• Venous Insufficiency: Diabetes can cause the veins and blood vessels in the leg to weaken and become damaged leading to a buildup of blood that can cause discoloration.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Peripheral artery disease is another condition that affects blood flow in the legs. However, PAD affects the arteries while venous insufficiency affects the veins. The condition is more likely to occur if you smoke, have high blood pressure, or have high cholesterol.
• Raynaud’s Disease: Reynaud’s Disease is common in people with poor circulation. Brought on by the cold weather, it impacts the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes decreasing oxygenation. Discoloration is a common symptom.
• Acrocyanosis: This condition is similar to Raynaud’s Disease, but it affects the arteries rather than the small blood vessels in the extremities. It causes the artery to spasm reducing or stopping blood flow in the area. It often makes the skin turn blue or purple.
• Ischemic Foot: Ischemic foot occurs due to reduced blood flow in one or more arteries due to a buildup of plaque or blood clots. It can also be related to diabetes. In addition to purple feet, you may have pain in your feet and lower legs and difficulty walking.
• Frostbite: Extreme temperatures can reduce circulation in your extremities leading to frostbite. Diabetics are at high risk of frostbite as many already have poor circulation. The condition is considered a medical emergency and should be treated immediately.
• Peripheral Cyanosis: This condition occurs when the extremities aren’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. It is a common side effect of PAD, blood clots, and Raynaud’s disease. Though rarely life-threatening, it is best to determine the underlying cause to prevent complications.
• Blood Pooling: Blood pooling is another side effect of PAD. Restriction in arterial blood flow makes it difficult for blood to return to the heart causing it to accumulate in the feet and ankles. The skin turns purple due to oxygen deprivation.
• Varicose Veins: Diabetics are likely to develop varicose veins due to high blood sugar, weakened immune systems, obesity, and chronic venous insufficiency. The condition causes veins in the feet and legs to swell and become enlarged so they take on a blue or purple color.
• Vasculitis: Vasculitis is likely to occur in diabetics with lower limb neuropathy. Characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels, it can produce a red or purple rash. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, and reduced strength in the foot.

What is the Impact of Poor Circulation on Purple Feet Diabetes?

If you notice swollen purple feet in diabetes, call a doctor immediately. If you leave the issue untreated, it could lead to:

• Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Diabetic foot ulcers are common in diabetics who have reduced feeling in their feet. They may develop a wound, such as a cut, corn, blister, or ingrown toenail, but they are unable to feel it due to nerve damage and circulatory issues. If left untreated, the wound can develop into an ulcer.
• Gangrene: Gangrene can be the symptom of poor circulation or a foot ulcer. The lack of circulation can cause tissue death leading to gangrene. Foot wounds can also become infected and develop into gangrenous ulcers. If the issue isn’t addressed, amputation may be necessary.
• Limited Mobility: The pain and discomfort associated with purple feet and diabetes can lead to mobility issues that greatly reduce quality of life.

Purple Feet Diabetes Treatment

If you experience diabetes with purple toes, consult a doctor immediately. They may recommend the following treatment options:

• Compression therapy: Compression therapy involves wearing a device (typically socks) to improve blood flow and reduce swelling. You can purchase compression socks over the counter. However, the doctor can also prescribe compression socks that are suited to your leg size and condition.
• Medications: Your doctor may recommend medications to treat the swelling underlying conditions contributing to purple spots on feet and diabetes. For example, they may recommend prescription-strength anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication. They may also change your diabetes medication or increase your dose.
• Foot Elevation: Foot elevation may reduce swelling and discoloration associated with diabetes purple feet. Elevate your feet so they are above your heart using pillows, stools, and other home décor.

How to Prevent Feet Turning Purple Diabetes

Swollen purple feet in diabetes can be treated, but it is best to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some techniques that will prevent diabetes purple feet by reducing risk and catching issues in their early stages, before they get worse.

• Get Regular Checkups: Diabetics should get regular medical checkups to ensure their treatment program goes as planned. The doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels and check your feet to reduce the risk of complications. They will update your medicine and health routine to prevent issues.
• Exercise: Exercise treats diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, increasing insulin sensitivity, boosting cardiovascular health, and aiding with weight management. Aim to do about 30 minutes of exercise a day to improve overall health.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Diabetics can control blood sugar levels with a healthy diet. They should focus on carb and portion control and increase their healthy fats, fiber, and protein intake.
• Practice Foot Hygiene: Proper foot hygiene can reduce the risk of wounds that develop into diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetics should wash their feet every day and dry them thoroughly to avoid Athlete’s foot. They should moisturize feet to prevent them from getting dry, cracking, and developing cuts. Trim toenails straight across and file edges to avoid ingrown toenails.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Comfortable footwear reduces the risk of corns, blisters, and ingrown toenails. Protective footwear also keeps feet safe from scrapes and cuts. Ensure there’s at least a half inch of space between your toes and the front of the shoe for optimal comfort.
• Temperature Monitoring: Temperature monitoring can detect various symptoms that could lead to diabetic purple feet. Increasing temperatures could indicate inflammation which may be the sign of a wound or ulcer. Decreasing temperatures could indicate reduced circulation.
• Avoid the Cold: Keeping feet warm could prevent purple feet due to Raynaud’s disease and frostbite. Avoid going out in extremely cold temperatures. If you must go out, wear thick socks, and warm shoes.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking and tobacco products damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow. They put you at risk for PAD and other circulation-related conditions. People who use these products should seek out cessation programs.

Feetsee Can Help Prevent Purple Feet in Diabetics

Purple feet can be related to various conditions, but they are typically a cause for concern. It’s best to prevent them from occurring altogether.

A healthy lifestyle can help, but monitoring is necessary. That’s where Feetsee comes in. We provide a unique technology that monitors foot temperature detecting early signs of inflammation and circulatory issues. The information can be shared directly with your doctor for prompt treatment.

Contact us to learn about how we are helping diabetics achieve a higher quality of life.

FAQs

Should I go to the ER If my toes are purple?

Purple toes are not necessarily a medical emergency. However, they can be concerning if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are experiencing pain and swelling.

What do ischemic toes look like?

Ischemic toes may manifest as a purple discoloration. The toes may also turn white when the foot is elevated and red when the foot hangs down.

How do you check blood flow to your toes?

If your toes are cold, cover them with a blanket for one hour. Then press the tip of the affected toe. The pressed area should become lighter or turn white. If it does not, you may have a blood flow issue.