How Diabetes Affects Your Feet
How exactly can diabetes cause me to have foot problems?
Diabetes that is uncontrolled will affect the organ systems in different ways. Peripheral neuropathy is a term commonly used to indicate an uncomfortable burning or tingling sensation in the feet. While this is correct, the term also encompasses other symptoms
related to nerve damage. The inability to feel a small pebble in your shoe to ominously not feeling a razor blade left in the bathroom is also caused by peripheral neuropathy.
Healthy nerves that regulate perspiration from sweat glands in the feet
and send motor signals telling our foot muscles and tendons when to contract and relax are also compromised in peripheral neuropathy. This can lead to dry, cracked skin, and rigid contractures of our toes leading to dangerous pressure points, respectively. Increased blood sugar circulating in the blood stream will deposit into tendons causing them to be more rigid and lead to further contractures and a less supple leg and foot.
Arteries carrying blood to your feet can also become diseased limiting blood flow needed to help heal any wound or bring antibiotics needed to treat infection. If you have diabetes, it is a good idea to see your podiatrist to be assessed for the above and also for care of your nails and calluses.