Diabetic Foot Problems

Living with diabetes isn't easy. There are many conditions associated with diabetes you need to be aware of so that you can better protect yourself against them. Note that these conditions aren't the end of the world and if you know how to cope with them, it will help significantly. Learn more about five common diabetic foot problems you should know about below.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that's caused by high glucose levels in the blood. This increased blood sugar damages nerve endings in the body's peripheral nerves. This can cause numbness in the legs, slow wound healing, and an increased number of ulcers, cuts, and bruises. People with diabetes are recommended to wear diabetic shoes outside then house or women's and men's orthopedic slippers inside the house. Because diabetic neuropathy causes numbness and poor circulation, you're less likely to feel cuts and other wounds that may occur when walking barefoot.

Calluses

Calluses are a buildup of hard skin that mainly occur on the foot's underside and are often caused by an uneven distribution of weight at the feet. This is one of the reasons why it's recommended that you wear diabetic footwear since many of times calluses result from ill-fitting shoes and socks. If you see a callous, it might be wise to see a podiatrist to ensure you get the help you need. Of all the diabetic foot problems you should know about, this is the most common.

Corns

A corn is a buildup of hard skin typically found near the bony area of the toes or between them. Corns usually occur because of pressure from shoes that rub against your toes. You can soak them in warm water or even use a pumice stone to remove them. Applying moisturizer helps tremendously as well.

Bunions

When your big toe bends toward your second toe, a bunion forms. You may spot a bunion if you notice that the area between your big toe and the rest of your foot becomes red. Again, ill-fitting shoes can lead to bunions, pushing your big toe toward the second toe.

Diabetic Ulcers

An ulcer is a deep sore in the foot or a skin break on the foot altogether. They're usually infected in this stage, and you must treat them so that you don't catch gangrene or risk having to get your foot amputated. Foot ulcers can occur from minor scrapes and cuts, which is another reason you'll want to wear protective footwear whenever possible.

In short, there are many health conditions related to diabetes, but many are preventable. Catch these problems early, and you should be fine. It should also be noted that many of these problems can be mitigated with adequate footwear. At Anodyne, we pride ourselves on providing the best footwear on the market. Shop Anodyne today!