What are Diabetic Foot Problems?
Diabetic foot problems can include sores, ulcers, infections or deformities like Charcot foot, often caused by nerve damage (neuropathy) or poor blood flow (peripheral artery disease). These issues can develop quietly, so consistent monitoring and early medical attention are key.
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What Causes Diabetic Foot Problems?
High blood sugar levels over time can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to two main causes of diabetic foot problems:
- Neuropathy, or nerve damage, which makes it difficult to feel pain, temperature or injuries.
- Poor circulation, which slows healing and increases the risk of infection.
Other contributing factors include wearing ill-fitting shoes, walking barefoot, smoking and skipping routine foot care.
Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Problems
You should see a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
- Numbness, tingling or burning in your feet or toes
- Swelling, redness or discoloration
- Open sores or blisters that don’t heal
- Drainage, pus or foul odor
- Cracked skin or thick, yellow nails
- Pain or a feeling of warmth in one foot more than the other
Because neuropathy can mask pain, many people don’t realize a wound is serious until it becomes infected — which is why daily self-checks are vital.
How Are Diabetic Foot Problems Treated?
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam of your feet, checking for cuts, swelling, ulcers or changes in color or temperature. Your provider may:
- Test nerve sensitivity and blood flow
- Take X-rays or MRIs if there’s concern for deep infection or Charcot foot
- Perform a wound culture to check for infection
Treatment depends on the severity of your condition but often includes:
- Cleaning the wound to prevent infection
- Removing dead or infected tissue (called debridement)
- Using specialized dressing or skin substitutes to accelerate healing
- Offloading weight from affected areas with special shoes, crutches, braces or knee scooter
- Oral or IV antibiotic therapy for mild to severe infections
- Surgery for severe infections (bone infection) or to relieve pressure
- ORC insoles or custom orthotics to reduce pressure points and prevent recurrent problems
In more advanced cases, surgical procedures may be needed to correct bone deformities or restore blood flow. Early intervention greatly reduces the risk of complications and amputation.
How Can I Prevent Diabetic Foot Problems?
Preventing diabetic foot conditions begins with proactive care:
- Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, redness or swelling
- Wash and dry them carefully, especially between your toes
- Moisturize regularly (but not between toes)
- Trim nails straight across or have them done professionally
- Wear shoes and socks that fit well
- Never walk barefoot
- Manage your blood sugar levels carefully
- Schedule regular foot exams with your provider
Simple consistency in these habits can make all the difference in keeping your feet healthy and strong.
Treat Diabetic Foot Problems at OrthoNebraska
Looking for relief from diabetic foot problems in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
