A serious yet avoidable health problem for patients today is diabetic foot complications. Those who notice early signs of infection can get better diabetic foot care, heal more quickly, and maintain their mobility. Communicating with health professionals can help identify and treat changes in foot health as soon as they occur. Here are a few ways to recognize early signs of diabetic foot health complications:
Watch for Changes in Skin Color
Healthy feet are typically pink, but diabetic foot complications can cause them to change color to red, blue, or become pale. You can tell there are temperature differences by feeling your feet with your hands. In areas where blood flow is poor, the tissue usually feels cooler than the healthy tissue next to it. Any spotted or purple appearance on the skin is a sign of possible circulation problems that a professional should check.
Pay Attention to Wounds
Because of reduced blood flow and weakened immune responses, diabetic patients have difficulty healing their wounds. Little cuts from things like trimming nails or rubbing shoes can become continuous sores. When you get blisters from new shoes or sports, it’s key to keep an eye on them since they take longer to heal. Routine healing begins with scab formation, progresses to tissue regeneration, and culminates in the skin’s closure. If the edges of a wound are rolled, thick, or discolored, it might be a sign that the healing process is not working properly. As part of your diabetic foot care, a doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatments for wounds that won’t heal.
Take Note of Numbness
Neuropathy in the peripheral nerves causes feet to feel tingling, uncomfortable sensations, signaling that nerves have been damaged. The tingling starts in your toes and slowly goes up to your ankles and calves. Sudden, sharp pains in the heel might stop you from walking, standing, or wearing certain types of shoes. Walking becomes more difficult when you can’t feel what is under your feet. If neuropathy is found early, healthcare providers can use treatments that help slow its progression.
Look for Signs of Infection
Diabetes often means that bacterial infections can spread quickly, since the immune system and blood circulation are not working as well. The presence of pus from wounds usually indicates that bacteria are growing, so prompt action with antibiotics is necessary. The presence of foul odors from feet or wounds indicates an infection that may require urgent medical attention.
Streaks of red blood coming from a wound along the legs can point to an infection traveling through the lymphatic system. If a fever is present along with foot symptoms, it may indicate systemic infection, so immediate medical care and hospitalization are needed. Prompt treatment may prevent minor problems from escalating and leading to severe health issues.
Evaluate Changes in Your Nails
Problems with the toenails allow bacteria and fungi to enter and cause infections. Nails can become thicker because of fungus, an injury, or poor blood flow to the nails. If your nails are yellow, brown, or black, you may have a fungal infection. An ingrown nail occurs when the nail edge digs into the skin, making it more prone to becoming infected.
When nails are brittle and crack or split, they may hurt the area around them. Trimming your nails regularly helps prevent them from pushing on your shoes or your adjacent toes. Following good nail care helps reduce the risk of getting an infection.
Get Quality Diabetic Foot Care
Noticing early signs of diabetic foot problems allows doctors to prevent serious complications. Unusual changes in foot shape, non-healing wounds, and nail color changes often point to diabetic foot problems. Contact your healthcare provider today to set up an examination of your feet.
