The diabetic foot deserves your attention. It has unique vulnerabilities like reduced sensation and impaired circulation. And that means even minor issues can escalate quickly into serious complications. By prioritizing foot care, you can reduce your risks and enhance your overall well-being. Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Diabetic Foot Complications? ![Diabetic foot exam]()
High blood sugar levels can impair circulation and damage nerves, increasing the risk of foot injuries and infections. You may not feel cuts or blisters, so they could escalate quickly into serious concerns if left unchecked. The interplay of nerve damage, poor circulation and skin changes make diabetic feet particularly vulnerable to complications.
Peripheral neuropathy can diminish your ability to feel pain, pressure and temperature. This lack of sensation makes it easy to overlook cuts, blisters or foot ulcers, allowing them to worsen without your knowledge. Poor circulation further complicates matters. Reduced blood flow impairs your body’s ability to heal, making infections and tissue damage more likely. This can lead to serious conditions such as gangrene, which could lead to amputation if not properly addressed. Additionally, skin changes can cause dryness and cracking, creating opportunities for bacteria to enter. But regular foot checks and prompt attention to any issues can greatly reduce your risk for complications.
Common concerns
1. Ulceration
Approximately 15% of people with diabetes develop foot ulcers at some point in their lives. Timely treatment is essential to promote healing. To prevent complications, take action: clean the ulcer gently and apply a sterile dressing. Contact our Houston podiatrist immediately to assess the severity of the wound and receive appropriate treatment.
2. Infection
Infections can pose serious threats to your foot health, often stemming from wounds or ulcers. Foot infections can develop rapidly and escalate in severity if left untreated. Common types include cellulitis, often presenting as redness and swelling, and osteomyelitis—an infection of the bone. Both can lead to serious complications, including amputation. To protect your feet, adopt a proactive approach. Regularly inspect your feet for cuts, blisters or redness. Maintain good hygiene. Keep your feet dry and moisturized, but avoid putting cream between your toes. And stick to your regular foot inspections to detect any problems before they escalate.
How to Perform a Diabetic Foot Exam
Make your foot checks a daily habit, before you go to bed. Look at the bottom of your feet, the top and between your toes. Look for cuts, redness or blisters and pay attention to any changes in skin color, dryness or cracking. Check for any warmth in the foot. And look for swelling or unusual odor, as both can indicate infection. By checking for these issues daily, any problem detected will be less than 24 hours old. Then, you can call us immediately and request an emergency appointment.
Also, pay close attention to any new or worsening pain, as these could be signs of nerve damage or insufficient blood flow. Changes in nail growth or signs of a fungal toenail infection should also be noted, as both can escalate quickly. Don’t forget to monitor cuts and blisters that may not be healing properly. Even minor issues can become serious injuries if you have reduced circulation or nerve sensation. And that’s why daily foot checks on their own may not be enough to protect your feet from complications.
Further Diabetic Foot Protection: Choosing the Right Issues
Proper footwear plays a crucial role in protecting your diabetic foot. Choose well-fitting shoes that provide ample room for your toes. Avoid narrow designs and high heels. And look for shoes constructed from soft, breathable materials to reduce friction.
Some people may benefit from specially-crafted diabetic shoes. They have extra depth, especially in the toe box; they’re also constructed with minimal inner seams to prevent irritation. Now, these shoes can be costly, but they’re often covered by insurance if you meet certain requirements. So be sure to talk to us in the office to see if you qualify.
Socks are also important when you have diabetes. Opt for moisture-wicking, non-binding options to prevent blisters and boost circulation. Avoid tight bands around the calf, since they can cut off circulation. And make regular visits to our podiatry practice in Houston, TX to support your ongoing diabetic foot health.
What to Expect During a Diabetic Foot Exam
You should aim to see Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider at least once a year if you have diabetes. But more frequent checkups may be necessary based on your individual risk factors. During your checkup, you can expect a thorough examination of your feet, focusing on skin integrity, circulation and sensation. We’ll assess for any abnormalities, provide guidance on foot care and make recommendations for appropriate foot wear. Along with diet, these regular check-ins are key to protecting your foot health with diabetes.
A Diet for (Foot) Health
Your diet plays an important role in managing blood sugar levels and protecting foot health. (That's why we share recipe-inspiration with our "What to Eat Wednesday" series)/ You see, a balanced diet rich in nutrients can help prevent foot complications. Prioritizing whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains will support your overall health and limit blood glucose levels. Limiting processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats is also essential. These items can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels, increasing your risk of nerve damage and poor circulation.
Conversely, staying hydrated can support your circulation, helping deliver crucial nutrients to your extremities. And don’t forget to monitor your carbohydrate intake—carbs directly impact your blood sugar. Incorporating fiber-rich foods can also slow absorption and keep your levels more stable. Remember, every meal is an opportunity to support your disease management and protect your feet for the long term. However, if you have any more concerns about your diabetic foot health, we’re here to help. You can request a consultation by clicking this link or by calling the office at 713-785-7881 .
