Diabetic feet, also known as foot ulcers, are common symptoms of diabetes. They are caused by a loss of sensation in the feet, which leads to tissue damage due to poor circulation. Newnan diabetic feet are a result of poorly controlled diabetes. They can lead to serious complications such as skin ulceration, infection, gangrene, and amputation.

They are also more likely to develop pressure ulcers that may become infected and require surgical debridement (surgical removal). The good news is that diabetic foot ulcers can be easily prevented. If you have diabetes and experience these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately. The sooner you treat a diabetic foot infection, the better your chances of healing.

Here are the symptoms and risk factors for diabetic feet.

Diabetic feet symptoms

• Pain
• Tingling and numbness in the toes or foot
• Swelling around the toes, especially at night when blood flow is reduced
• Redness or discoloration of the skin around the toes
• Ulcers (open sores) on your feet

Risk factors for diabetic feet

Nerve damage: Diabetic feet are caused by nerve damage. Nerve damage is a common complication of diabetes, and it can affect any part of the body, including the feet. The most common nerve damage in the feet is neuropathy, which causes pain, numbness, and tingling in your feet and toes. Neuropathy can cause ulcers to develop on your skin or within your tissue.

This nerve damage can also lead to ulcerations of the foot or lower leg (amputation). Ulcers on your foot or lower leg can be uncomfortable, painful, and difficult to treat. You may also experience swelling in these areas, redness, blisters, and bleeding from minor cuts around the ulceration site.

Poor foot care: Infections are a common cause of foot problems in diabetics. Infections like cellulitis (a bacterial infection) or fungus can cause ulcers on your skin or sores on the bottom of your foot that can become infected if not treated promptly.

Lack of blood flow to your feet: Lack of good blood flow to the feet is a common risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers. If there is not enough blood flow to help deliver oxygen, waste products, and nutrients, an ulcer will form.

High cholesterol levels: High cholesterol levels are also linked to developing diabetic feet. That is because high cholesterol levels can block blood vessels, making it difficult for oxygen-rich blood to reach the surface of your skin where it’s needed most-the top layer of your foot, where it can heal wounds and fight infection.

Difficulty managing blood sugar: This is perhaps the most integral factor in diabetic feet. Most people with diabetes who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar can experience poor wound healing and infection.

Diabetic feet are a type of foot ulcer that occurs in people with diabetes. They are most common on the feet and can be found on the toes, ball of your foot, heel, or other parts of your foot. Diabetic feet are a serious condition that causes pain and disability. This condition can cause serious complications if not treated properly. Even mild cases can lead to amputation. If you have diabetic feet, reach out to Crossroads Podiatry experts.