Diabetes and foot care can be overlooked when managing the other symptoms related to this disease, but maintaining regular visits with your doctor can help prolong your mobility and health. Studies show that about half of all people with diabetes have some kind of nerve damage according to the CDC. Nerve damage can occur in any part of your body, but nerves in your feet and legs are most often affected, causing you to lose feeling in your feet.

Signs and Symptoms:
Most serious foot complications can be prevented as it relates to diabetes. Regular home care and scheduling doctor's appointments are best practices for preventing foot issues (and catching the small problems before they escalate). Below are some of the symptoms that might occur related to diabetes and foot care:

• Pain in your legs or cramping in your glutes, thighs, or calves during physical activity
• Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet
• Loss of feeling and temperature changes
• A change in the shape of your feet gradually
• Blisters, sores, ulcers, infected corns, or ingrown toenail, especially ones that won't heal
• Dry, cracked skin on your feet
• Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs
• A change in temperature or color of your feet
• Abnormally thick or yellow toenails
• Fungus infections such as athlete's foot between your toes

If you suspect any of these issues that could be related to nerve damage or your diabetes, please contact our foot and ankle specialist for further evaluation.