Diabetic Foot Care Treatment

Issues with your feet are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of problems that may arise along with diabetes. But foot care is a pillar of diabetes treatment. Diabetes often disrupts the communication of nerve signals to and from your feet and the brain. When this happens, it results in not feeling pain after an injury. Diabetes can also interrupt the normal flow of blood to your feet. This leaves your feet lacking nutrients and other substances that travel through blood vessels that enhance healing and nourishment. Read on to learn more about the significance of diabetic foot care in Lees Summit, MO by Dr. Jeff Harsch from Foot & Ankle Clinic.

What Are Some Foot Issues That Can Happen With a Diagnosis of Diabetes?

Diabetes can cause something that is a minor issue for an otherwise healthy person, into a serious condition in the person with diabetes. A common example of this is a small bruise, cut, or burn, that the diabetic patient is unaware of and does not promptly address.

Two scenarios may cause this to happen. First, pain signals are not properly relayed to the brain, resulting in not feeling the cut or burn to your foot when it happens. This is known as peripheral neuropathy. Second, diabetes can disrupt the blood supply to your foot. This is called peripheral vascular disease (PVD). With PVD, healing does not take place as it normally would. Other issues that can occur in the feet of the diabetic patient are:

• Ulcers
• Bunions
• Corn 
• Callouses
• Infections
• Ingrown toenails

The above conditions show up more frequently in diabetic patients due to a lack of blood supply but are not specific to diabetes. We recommend that you inspect your feet daily for cuts, scrapes, bruises, and burns. Study the physical appearance of your feet, and if they begin to look different or you notice something new that wasn't there before, call your doctor immediately.

What Are Other Symptoms That Peripheral Neuropathy and Pvd Can Cause?

If left untreated, peripheral neuropathy and PVD can lead to the following. The conditions listed below are part of why diabetic foot care is critical in Lees Summit, MO.

• Numbness and tingling
• Weakness and/or pain and weakness in the calf when exercising or at rest 
• Coldness and inability to warm up your feet
• Hair loss on the legs and feet
• Abnormally dry skin
• Gangrene (tissue death)

Contact Us

Receive diabetic foot care in Lees Summit, MO with Dr. Harsch from Foot & Ankle Clinic. Take care of your feet by scheduling a consultation with us by calling (816) 525-2405.