The Link Between Diabetes and Foot Wounds

Injuries to your feet can be tricky at the best of times, as the force of gravity works against your circulatory system’s ability to supply your extremities with fresh blood and needed nutrients. 

And if you’re living with diabetes, you have additional risk factors to worry about when it comes to foot wounds.

At Town Center Foot & Ankle of Kingwood and Atascocita, Texas, Stephen “Dr. Ike” Eichelsdorfer, DPM, provides ongoing and critical wound care for patients with foot wounds and injuries. Talk to Dr. Ike about your foot care needs if you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

How diabetes puts your feet at risk from injuries

The problems with blood flow and supply to your feet can be worsened by complications of diabetes. Here’s how.

Diabetes arises from issues with your body’s ability to sufficiently produce or effectively use the chemical insulin. Without the right amount of insulin to transform sugars in your blood known as glucose, your blood sugar levels can swing or remain too high for too long.

When your blood sugar levels are elevated for too long, your circulatory system is affected. Your blood vessels sustain damage, decreasing available blood flow to your legs and feet. And you can suffer nerve damage, as well, leading to reduced sensation in your lower extremities.

If you can’t feel pain from foot wounds or if you’ve lost sensitivity to heat or cold in your feet, you may not be aware that you’re hurt. Without care and attention, injuries to your feet can develop serious infection, potentially leading to complications, including amputation and limb loss.

Preventing problems with the right diabetic foot care

For patients with diabetes, Dr. Ike recommends regular care and examination of your feet and extremities to prevent the development of serious foot wounds.

Depending on the severity of your peripheral nerve issues and other diabetes-related foot issues, you may need to take steps such as:

• Protecting your feet with socks and well-padded shoes, even indoors
• Cleaning your feet regularly with warm, but not too hot, water and soap
• Trimming your toenails carefully to prevent sharp edges that can become ingrown
• Checking your feet frequently for wounds or injuries

Some insurance companies cover diabetic shoes as a preventive treatment option. In some instances, insurance may also cover nail trimming by your podiatrist.

If you have a foot wound that isn’t getting better with basic at-home first aid, seek professional attention. Dr. Ike can provide the care you need to protect the long-term health and function of your feet.

To learn more, contact our offices today. Schedule your initial consultation over the phone, or request an appointment online now.