November is Diabetes Awareness Month. It is a condition that millions of Americans suffer from and can cause serious health problems, especially for your feet. Now is the perfect time to go over exactly how diabetes impacts your foot health and what you can do.
HOW DOES DIABETES IMPACT FOOT HEALTH?
When blood sugar levels become too high over an extended time, it can have numerous effects on your feet. One of the most common diabetic foot problems is peripheral neuropathy, and it can occur when your nerves become damaged from diabetes. Pain, weakness, and numbness are usually the result of such damage.
Poor circulation due to diabetes can also cause several problems, and delayed wound healing is common. Corns, calluses, bunions, toenail fungus, and ingrown toenails are common because of nerve and circulatory issues.
WHAT TO DO
One problem with diabetes is that you may not feel pain in your feet. Therefore, checking your feet each day will help you spot problems early before they get worse. Look for these problems:
- cuts, sores, or red spots
- swelling or fluid-filled blisters
- ingrown toenails
- corns or calluses
- plantar warts
- athlete’s foot
Suppose you are still experiencing pain and discomfort. In that case, you may want to contact an experienced podiatrist who will be able to examine your condition and guide you to the right decision.
For more tips and expert advice, call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Riane Teagarden, Dr. Keith Sherman, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.
