Diabetic Foot: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is Diabetic Foot?

Diabetic foot is a common problem for people with diabetes. It happens when high blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels in the feet. As a result, you may not feel pain or injuries. Over time, small cuts or sores can turn into serious wounds. Because of this, diabetic foot needs careful attention. Early care can help prevent problems and keep your feet healthy.

Common Symptoms of Diabetic Foot

It is important to know the signs of diabetic foot. Early symptoms can be mild, but they may get worse if ignored. For example, you might notice:

Numbness or tingling in your feet

Loss of feeling in your toes or soles

Redness or swelling

Sores, blisters, or cuts that heal slowly

Changes in skin color or temperature

Foot pain, especially at night

Thick or yellow toenails

If you see any of these diabetic foot symptoms, you should act quickly. Early treatment can stop problems from getting worse.

Causes and Risk Factors

Diabetic foot develops because of nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood flow. Both are common in people with diabetes. However, some factors can raise your risk even more. These include:

Poor blood sugar control

Having diabetes for many years

Smoking

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Foot deformities or calluses

Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes

Because of these risks, regular foot checks are very important. Even small injuries can become serious if not treated early.

How Diabetic Foot Is Diagnosed

Doctors use several steps to diagnose diabetic foot. First, they ask about your symptoms and medical history. Next, they examine your feet for cuts, sores, or changes in color. Often, they check your foot pulses to see if blood flow is normal. In some cases, doctors may use special tests, such as:

Monofilament test to check for nerve damage

Blood tests to measure blood sugar

Imaging tests, like X-rays, to look for bone problems

Because early diagnosis helps prevent serious issues, regular foot exams are key for people with diabetes.

Treatment Options for Diabetic Foot

Diabetic foot treatment depends on the problem’s severity. Early care can prevent complications. Common treatments include:

Cleaning and dressing wounds to prevent infection

Antibiotics if there is an infection

Special shoes or inserts to reduce pressure

Removing dead tissue from wounds

Improving blood sugar control

Surgery in severe cases, such as to remove infected tissue

Because each case is different, your doctor will choose the best diabetic foot treatment for you.

Prevention and Daily Care Tips

Preventing diabetic foot problems is possible with daily care. Here are some diabetic foot care tips:

Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, or swelling

Wash your feet daily and dry them well, especially between the toes

Moisturize your feet, but avoid the area between toes

Trim toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails

Wear clean, comfortable socks and shoes that fit well

Never walk barefoot, even at home

Control your blood sugar as advised by your doctor

Stop smoking to improve blood flow

See your doctor for regular foot exams

Because prevention is easier than treatment, follow these steps every day. If you wonder how to prevent diabetic foot, these habits are a good start.

When to See a Doctor

Sometimes, problems can develop quickly. You should see a doctor right away if you notice:

Open sores or wounds that do not heal

Redness, swelling, or warmth in your foot

Pus or bad smell from a wound

Sudden pain or loss of feeling

Black or blue skin on your toes or foot

Because fast action can save your foot, do not wait if you see these signs. Early treatment can prevent serious problems.

For more information, consult trusted sources like the CDC and WHO. They offer helpful advice on diabetic foot care and prevention.

Consult a specialist at HS Hospital for personalized guidance on diabetic foot care.